John A. Young, who succeeded founders Bill Hewlett and David Packard as CEO of Palo Alto-based Hewlett-Packard, died at home with his family. He was 93.
As CEO of HP from 1978 to 1992, he led the company through extraordinary growth — transforming it from a pioneer in test and measurement equipment into a global computing powerhouse, according to a statement from HP. During his tenure, HP’s annual revenue grew from $1.3 billion to $16 billion.
Young, who died May 26, also served as chairman of President Reagan’s Commission on Industrial Competitiveness, playing a key role in strengthening America’s position in high technology sectors.
Born in Nampa, Idaho, on April 24, 1932, and raised in Klamath Falls, Ore., Young graduated from Klamath Union High School in 1949. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Oregon State University in 1953.
Young married his childhood neighbor and lifelong love, Rosemary Murray. They were married for 67 years until her death in 2021. Their first adventure took them to the Air Force Research and Development Command at Holloman Air Development Center in New Mexico, where Young served from 1954 to 1956. He often described this as “the best job he ever had.”
After earning his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Young began his career at Hewlett-Packard as a marketing planner in the microwave division. He rose rapidly through the company: regional sales manager, marketing manager, vice president of the Electronic Products Group, and executive vice president of the Instrument, Computer, and Components groups. In 1977, when founders Hewlett and Packard retired, they selected Young as their successor.
A passionate outdoorsman, Young was an avid fly fisherman who traveled the world and frequently returned to Alaska and Idaho’s Teton River. He was also a skilled pilot and enjoyed pheasant hunting each fall.
“John is the kind of person everyone would like to work with — someone who keeps his promise, is easy to get along with, shows good judgment and tries to see the other person’s side of things,” said Ernie Arbuckle, former HP board member, according to an obit furnished by the company.
Young is survived by his children: Gregory and wife Anjali Tate, Peter and Diana; and by his four grandchildren: Olivia, Porter, Camille and Garrett.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Peninsula Open Space Trust, supporting his lifelong love of the outdoors.
As per his wishes, no public service will be held.
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