Background
Griffin, WIlliam LEster Hadley was born on May 17, 1918 in Edwardsville, Illinois, United States. Son of Ralph D. and Julia (Hadley) Griffin.
Griffin, WIlliam LEster Hadley was born on May 17, 1918 in Edwardsville, Illinois, United States. Son of Ralph D. and Julia (Hadley) Griffin.
AB, Williams College, 1940. Doctor of Laws (honorary), Williams College, 1987. Bachelor of Laws, Washington University, 1947.
Doctor of Laws (honorary), Washington University, 1990.
Counsel, Wohl Shoe Company, St. Louis, 1947-1951;
assistant secretary treasurer, Wohl Shoe Company, 1950-1951;
secretary, Brown Shoe Company (name changed to Brown Group, Inc. 1972), St. Louis, 1954-1964;
vice president, Brown Shoe Company (name changed to Brown Group, Inc. 1972), 1964-1966;
executive vice president, Brown Shoe Company (name changed to Brown Group, Inc.
1972), 1966-1968;
president, Brown Shoe Company (name changed to Brown Group, Inc. 1972), 1968-1972;
chief Executive officer, Brown Shoe Company (name changed to Brown Group, Inc. 1972), 1969-1982;
Chairman of the Board, Brown Shoe Company (name changed to Brown Group, Inc.
1972), 1972-1985;
president, Brown Shoe Company (name changed to Brown Group, Inc. 1972), 1972-1979;
chairman of the executive committee, Brown Shoe Company (name changed to Brown Group, Inc. 1972), 1971-1994;
also honorary director, Brown Shoe Company (name changed to Brown Group, Inc.
1972)
retired, 1994. Chairman of the Board Federal Reserve Bank St. Louis, 1983-1987.
Trustee (life), former Chairman of the Board Washington University, 1983-1988. Honorary member Smithsonian National Board, 1983-1984, chairman. Trustee Williams College, 1975-1980.
Life trustee St. Louis Symphony Society, former president. President United FundGreater St. Louis, 1973, campaign chairman, 1972. Former president St. Louis Civic Progress.
Served from ensign to Lieutenant United States Naval Reserve, 1941-1945. As lieutenant commander 1951-1952, Korea. Fellow American Academy Arts Sciences.
Member American Footwear Industries Association (pastchmn.).
Married Phoebe M. Perry, April 1, 1942. Children: Dustin H. II, Lockwood Perry, Peter Burley.