The McGraw-Hill Companies announced that Harold W. McGraw Jr., Chairman Emeritus and former CEO, died peacefully Wednesday morning in his home. He was 92.
“My father was a passionate and principled leader, who led McGraw-Hill with an educator’s heart and an insistence that the underlying principles guiding the company since its founding in 1888 – integrity, quality, value and excellence – would endure,” said current CEO Harold “Terry” McGraw III. “He was an inspiration to us all and deeply loved McGraw-Hill and its many contributions to society. He had a special affection for all employees and their commitment to the future and well-being of the company.”
Harold McGraw Jr. began as a book company sales rep in 1947 in the firm his grandfather, James McGraw, founded. He became Exec. VP of the Book enterprise in 1965 and its President in 1968. He rose to President of the entire company in 1974 and then to CEO. During his years as CEO, between 1975 and 1983, McGraw spearheaded the company’s increasing use of technology. He foresaw new growth opportunities by providing more timely information and innovative services. He retired from the board of directors in 1988, at age 70, after being elected Chairman Emeritus.
In recognition of his lifetime commitment to education, McGraw received the nation’s highest literacy award in 1990 from President George H.W. Bush.
