Ralph Owen

Ralph Owen (1905–1983) was an American businessman. He served as the Chairman of American Express (NYSE: AXP).

Ralph Owen
Born	October 3, 1905 Hartsville, Tennessee, U.S.
Died	1983 Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Businessman

Early life

Owen was born on October 3, 1905, in Hartsville, Tennessee.^[1] He had two brothers, Robert E. Owen and Roy Owen, and two sisters, Mrs. Mark Lowrey and Mrs. Pat W. Swaney.^[1] He graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1928.^[1]

Career

In 1930, Owen founded the Equitable Securities Corporation of Nashville, an investment bank offering credit cards, travel and banking services. It merged with American Express in 1968.^[1] Later, he served as the Chairman of American Express.^[1][2]

Additionally, Owen served on the board of directors of the Nashville Gas Company, the R. C. Owen Company and Tennessee Natural Gas Lines Inc.^[1]

Philanthropy

Owen sat on the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, Vanderbilt University, and later as the President of its Board of Trust.^[1][3] The Owen Graduate School of Management was renamed in his honor in 1977.^[4] Additionally, the Ralph Owen Chair is also named in his honor; it is currently by Professor Eric Johnson, Dean of the Owen Graduate School of Management.^[5]

Personal life

Owen was married to Lulu Hampton.^[1] They had a son, Ralph Owen Jr., and a daughter, Melinda Bass.^[1] They resided at Brook Hill in Nashville, Tennessee.^[1][6]

Death

Owen died at the Vanderbilt University Hospital in 1983.^[1]