Background
Benton, William Pettigrew was born on November 4, 1923 in Laurinburg, North Carolina, United States. Son of William P. and Carlie (Austin) Benton.
Benton, William Pettigrew was born on November 4, 1923 in Laurinburg, North Carolina, United States. Son of William P. and Carlie (Austin) Benton.
Student, University North Carolina, 1946.
With, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, 1947-1984; vice president marketing, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, 1971-1973; vice president parent company, general manager Lincoln-Mercury division, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, 1973-1975; vice president parent company, general manager Ford division, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, 1975-1977; vice president parent company, vice president marketing worldwide, Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, 1981; vice president sales, Ford of Europe, 1977-1981; deputy chairman, British Car Group, England, 1984-1986; chairman, British Car Group Inc. United States, 1984-1986; chairman, Group Lotus Inc., 1985-1986; chairman, Sandgate corporation, 1985-1986; vice chairman, Wells, Rich, Greene/BDDP, Dearborn, 1986-1996; executive director, Ogilvy & Mather, Dearborn, since 1997. Director automotive division United Fund Campaign, Detroit, 1971.
General chairman Meadowbrook Theatre and Music Festival, Oakland U., Rochester, Michigan, 1972. Board directors emeritus School Business Administration Sponsors, Inc., College William and Mary, 1976-1986. Board directors Marian H.S. Dads Club, 1973-1976.
Member Executive Committee International Federation Multiple Sclerosis Worldwide, president, 1985-1993, president emeritus, 1994. Board directors Beaumont Foundation, since 1988, Indiana for Life, 1989-1995. With United States Army Air Force, 1943-1945.
Member Advertising Council (board directors 1983-1985), Detroit Chamber of Commerce (board directors 1983-1984), Economics Club Detroit, Bloomfield Hills Country Club, Lost Tree Club, Everglade Club, Palm Beach Yacht Club, Annabel's Club, Harry's Bar (London).
Married Blanche Marilyn Lampke, June 26, 1948. Children: Barbara, Mary Anne, Judy, Nancy.