In Memoriam: James Ketelsen

James Ketelsen, former president of Case and later chairman and CEO of Tenneco, died April 27 in Houston. He was 86.

Ketelsen earned a business degree then joined the U.S. Navy and served as an officer on the U.S.S. Hunt during the Korean War.

He began his career as a certified public accountant in the Chicago office of Price Waterhouse, where Case was a client. He joined the farm equipment company in about 1960 and eventually became vice president of finance and treasurer.

Case appointed Ketelsen as its president in 1967. He was 37.

When Houston-based Tenneco bought Case in 1970, Ketelsen became chief financial officer and eventually chairman and CEO.

He was reportedly among the first corporate leaders in the nation to link business profitability and employee health, which led him to start the Houston Tenneco Marathon.

He leaves an extraordinary legacy of philanthropy and volunteerism in Houston.

Source: Journal Times