Background
Beckett, John R. was born on February 26, 1918 in San Francisco, California, United States. Son of Ernest J. and Hilda (Hansen) Beckett.
Businessman chairman president
Beckett, John R. was born on February 26, 1918 in San Francisco, California, United States. Son of Ernest J. and Hilda (Hansen) Beckett.
AB, Stanford University, 1939. Master of Arts, Stanford University, 1940.
He became president and chairman of the board of Transamerica Corporation in 1960 when it was a little-known holding company. He was Chief Executive Officer of Transamerica Corporation for 23 years, until 1983, he transformed it from an anonymous holding company into a major, diversified, operating company that became a household name. He embarked the company on an aggressive advertising campaign that propelled the Transamerica brand name into a household name to the general public.
He increased Transamerica"s earnings by 20-fold during his tenure as president and chairman.
lieutenant grew to be one of the 100 largest companies in the United States. He was instrumental in the purchases of motion picture distributor United Artists, Transamerica Airlines, Budget Rent-a-Carolina Company, De Laval Turbine and Occidental Life Insurance.
He commissioned the building of the Transamerica Pyramid, a landmark building in the San Francisco Financial District. Construction of the Transamerica Pyramid began in 1969.
The 853-foot pyramid-shaped skyscraper designed by architect William Pereira was intended to become the San Francisco"s tallest building.
The building of this pyramid created instant controversy, which helped create public awareness of Transamerica. The Transamerica Pyramid is located in the heart of the San Francisco Financial District at 600 Montgomery Street in San Francisco, California. lieutenant is a part of Transamerica Center (a complex that includes Two Transamerica Center and Transamerica Redwood Park) and encompasses nearly one city block.
He was named "Best Chief Executive Officer" of all United States. financial organizations for the years 1977 and 1978 by Financial World.
He had two daughters Brenda Beckett of Friday Harbor, Washington. And, Belinda Beckett of Sacramento, California.
He also had two stepsons: Ted of Los Los Angeles And Donald Abenheim of Menlo Park.
Two grand-daughters: Diana Beckett-Hile of Mill Valley and Sarah Beckett-Hile of San Francisco.
Member of San Francisco Golf, Pacific Union, Bohemian (San Francisco). Cypress Point (Pebble Beach, California).
Married Dian Calkin, November 27, 1947 (deceased June 1968). Children: Brenda Jean, Belinda Dian. Married Marjorie Abenheim, July 1969.