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Lee Iacocca (October 15, 1924 – July 2, 2019) was an influential American automobile executive and author, best known for his leadership roles at Ford Motor Company and Chrysler Corporation. Born Lido Anthony Iacocca to Italian immigrants in Allentown, Pennsylvania, he graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in industrial engineering and later earned a master’s degree from Princeton University.

Iacocca began his career at Ford in 1946, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his innovative marketing strategies, including the successful “56 for ’56” campaign. He played a pivotal role in the development of iconic vehicles such as the Ford Mustang and the Continental Mark III. In 1970, he became president of Ford but was fired in 1978 following conflicts with Henry Ford II.

Shortly after leaving Ford, Iacocca was appointed CEO of Chrysler Corporation, which was facing bankruptcy. He successfully secured government loan guarantees and implemented a turnaround strategy that included the introduction of popular models like the K-car and minivan.

Under his leadership, Chrysler repaid its loans ahead of schedule and returned to profitability, making Iacocca a national celebrity.
In addition to his corporate achievements, Iacocca authored several bestselling books, including Iacocca: An Autobiography (1984) and Where Have All the Leaders Gone? (2007). He also contributed to philanthropic efforts, notably raising funds for the restoration of the Statue of Liberty.

Iacocca passed away at the age of 94 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. His legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and innovation in the American automotive industry.