Former Turner chairman and CEO dies aged 100

Howard Turner, former president and CEO of Turner Construction Company, died on April 25 2012 at the age of 100. He was the nephew of Henry Turner, who founded the company in 1902, and son of J. Archer Turner, Jr. who was its from 1941 to 1946.

Having completed a doctorate in organic chemistry and chemical engineering in 1936, Mr Turner began his career as a research chemist at Du Pont Corporation, where he worked on the development of nylon. He joined Pittsburgh Consolidation Coal Company in 1946 to lead its research and development division and moved to Jones & Laughlin Steel Company in 1954 as the vice president of research and development.

He joined Turner's Board of Directors in 1952 and became president in 1965, subsequently serving as president and CEO from 1968 to 1971. He went on to be chairman of the Board from 1971 to 1978 and chairman of the Executive Committee from 1978 to 1982.

Under his leadership the company grew from having seven offices in the US to operations in 20 cities. This period also saw the setting up of Turner's international divisions, with offices in four countries. Revenues grew from US$ 591 million in 1965 to $1.7 billion by 1978.

His tenure also saw the formalisation of the company's community affairs programme and Turner School of Construction Management for minorities and women was established.

Today Turner is a subsidiary of Hochtief.