Owens Corning is sad to announce the death of former Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer William W. “Bill” Boeschenstein. He joined the company
in 1950 and served as chief executive officer from 1973 to 1990, and
chairman from 1981 to 1990. He was the son of Owens Corning’s first
chief executive officer, Harold Boeschenstein. These two men led the
company for more than 50 years.
Under his leadership as chief executive officer, Bill Boeschenstein
shaped both the direction of the company and its industries. During this
tenure, Owens Corning grew its annual sales from approximately $615
million to approximately $3 billion.
Bill Boeschenstein is perhaps best known for courageously leading the
organization through a hostile takeover attempt that began in 1986.
Owens Corning prevailed as an independent company. Additionally, with
his decision to enter the residential roofing market, the company
converted the market to fiberglass-reinforced shingles and transformed
the roofing industry. He was also instrumental in Owens Corning’s
decision to utilize The Pink Panther™ in its advertising to link the
color of its insulation to the popular and lovable cartoon character.
“Bill’s strong values and commitment to integrity created a culture that
is still thriving today at Owens Corning,” stated Mike Thaman, Owens
Corning chairman and chief executive officer. “As a former colleague and
personal friend, Bill will be missed for his contributions to the
company, and for his generous support to our community.”
Bill Boeschenstein graduated from Yale University and served in the U.S.
Army Air Force during World War II, prior to joining Owens Corning.
About Owens Corning
Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) develops, manufactures and markets insulation,
roofing, and fiberglass composites. Global in scope and human in scale,
the company’s market-leading businesses use their deep expertise in
materials, manufacturing and building science to develop products and
systems that save energy and improve comfort in commercial and
residential buildings. Through its glass reinforcements business, the
company makes thousands of products lighter, stronger and more durable.
Ultimately, Owens Corning people and products make the world a better
place. Based in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning posted 2016 sales of $5.7
billion and employs about 16,000 people in 26 countries. It has been a
Fortune 500® company for 62 consecutive years.
