John Alan Young

1932 - 2025

Visionary leader, technology pioneer, dedicated public servant, John A. Young, who succeeded founders Bill Hewlett and David Packard as CEO of Hewlett-Packard, passed away peacefully at home with his family on May 26, 2025, at the age of 93.

A transformative force in technology and business, John helped shape the trajectory of Silicon Valley, modern computing and U.S. industrial policy. 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. During his tenure, HP's annual revenue grew from $1.3 billion to $16 billion.

John 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. He was widely respected for his integrity, humility and even-tempered leadership.

Born in Nampa, Idaho, on April 24, 1932, and raised in Klamath Falls, Oregon, John graduated from Klamath Union High School in 1949. He earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Oregon State University in 1953.

Soon after graduation, John married his childhood neighbor and lifelong love, Rosemary Murray. Together they shared 67 joyful years until her passing in 2021. Their first adventure took them to the Air Force Research and Development Command at Holloman Air Development Center in New Mexico, where John served honorably 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, John began his career at Hewlett-Packard as a marketing planner in the microwave division. His steady confidence and visionary leadership saw him rise 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 John as their successor. True to form, John downplayed the moment, telling reporters, "Three letters - CEO - moved from Hewlett to me. That's all."

Legacy of leadership at HP: John's tenure as CEO was marked by groundbreaking strategic initiatives.

- Computing innovation: Spearheaded the development of the HP 3000 minicomputer, UNIX-based systems, personal computers, and the PA/RISC architecture.

- Printing revolution: Led HP's successful entry into the laser printer market with innovative microprocessor integration.

- Quality and Manufacturing: Launched the ambitious "10x quality goal" in 1980, driving a company-wide focus on excellence.

- Global expansion: Established local leadership around the world, making HP a truly global enterprise.

- Time-to-Market: Accelerated innovation cycles to meet rapidly evolving industry demands.

Throughout these changes, John upheld and evolved the "HP Way," blending innovation with an enduring culture of respect, ethics, and technical rigor.

Recognition and public service, John was widely recognized for his achievements:

- CEO of the Year, Financial World Magazine (1992)

- Executive of the Year, Research and Development Magazine (1990)

- Best Executive of the Year, Electronic Business Magazine (1989)

- Manufacturer of the Year, California Manufacturers Association (1985)

- Ernest C. Arbuckle Award, Stanford GSB (1983)

- Prime Minister's Trade Award, Japan (1990)

- Medal of Achievement, American Electronics Association (1990)

He received honorary doctorates from Oregon State, Purdue, University of Idaho and the College of Idaho, and was inducted into The American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering.

John's impact extended well beyond the corporate world. Appointed by President Reagan in 1983, he chaired the President's Commission on Industrial Competitiveness, uniting leaders across sectors to enhance U.S. innovation and economic strength. He later founded the Council on Competitiveness to continue this vital work. He also co-chaired President Clinton's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology and helped establish both the Computer Systems Policy Project and Smart Valley, Inc.

John served on the boards of numerous global corporations, including Chevron (and ChevronTexaco), Wells Fargo, GlaxoSmithKline, Lucent Technologies, Agere Systems, Affymetrix, and Novell. He was also active in the Business Council and Business Roundtable.

A life well lived: A passionate outdoorsman, John 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.

Above all, John was a devoted family man - humble, kind, and wise. His character left a lasting impression on all who knew him. "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.

John is survived by his children: Gregory and wife Anjali Tate, Peter and Diana; and by his four beloved grandchildren: Olivia, Porter, Camille and Garrett.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Peninsula Open Space Trust, supporting John's lifelong love of the outdoors.

As per John's wishes, no public service will be held.