William S. Knudsen

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William Signius "Big Bill" Knudsen (March 25, 1879 - April 27, 1948), was a leading automobile industry executive and a General in the U.S. Army.

Knudsen was born in Denmark. His name was originally Signius Wilhelm Poul Knudsen. He came to the United States in 1900. Working first for the Ford Motor Company and later for General Motors, Knudsen became an expert on mass production and a skilled manager. Knudsen was president of General Motors from 1937 to 1940.

In 1940, President Roosevelt asked Knudsen to come to Washington to help with war production. In 1942, Knudsen was commissioned a Lieutenant General in the U.S. Army. He worked as a consultant and troubleshooter for the War Department. He served in the Army until June 1, 1945.

Knudsen is the father of Semon "Bunkie" Knudsen who became a prominent automobile industry executive.

Preceded by Alfred P. Sloan, Jr.

President General Motors 1937 – 1940

Succeeded by Charles E. Wilson

[edit] References

• Beasley, Norman. Knudsen: a Biography. (New York: Whittlesey House, 1947)
• "Knudsen, William S." Current Biography, 1940:464-466.
• "Knudsen, William Signius." American National Biographny, 12:843-844.
• "William Signius Knudsen." Encyclopedia of American Business History and Biography: The Automobile Industry, 1920-1980. Pages 265-283.