Jon Huntsman, Sr.

Jon Meade Huntsman, Sr. (born June 21, 1937) is an American businessman and philanthropist. He is the founder of Huntsman Corporation. He is the father of former United States Ambassador to China and former Governor of Utah Jon Huntsman, Jr.

Biography

Early life and education

Huntsman was born in Blackfoot, Idaho. His mother, Sarah Kathleen (née Robison), was a homemaker, and his father, Alonzo Blaine Huntsman, was a school teacher. The family moved to Palo Alto, California in 1950, where Jon's father pursued graduate studies at Stanford University. Jon became student body president of Palo Alto High School, where he was recruited by Harold Zellerbach, Chairman of Crown-Zellerbach Paper Company, to attend the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania on a Zellerbach scholarship. He graduated at the top of his class in the spring of 1959. Mr. Huntsman married Karen Haight, daughter of David B. Haight, in June, 1959. In July Huntsman left to serve for two years in the U.S. Navy. He subsequently earned an MBA from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business and has been awarded thirteen honorary doctorate degrees at various universities.

Professional career

Huntsman was first employed by Olson Brothers, Inc., an egg-producing company in Los Angeles. He rose through the ranks to the position of Vice President of Operations and his leadership was key in developing the first plastic egg carton. In 1967 Huntsman...
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