J. Hugh Liedtke Explained

J. Hugh Liedtke
Birth Date:	February 10, 1922
Birth Place:	Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
Death Date:	March 28, 2003
Death Place:	Houston, Texas, U.S.
Occupation:	Businessman
Relatives:	Bill Liedtke (brother)

John Hugh Liedtke (February 10, 1922 – March 28, 2003) was an American petroleum executive.

Early life

John Hugh Liedtke was born on February 10, 1922, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.^{[1] [2]} During World War II, he served in the United States Armed Forces.^[2] Liedtke graduated from Amherst College in three years with a bachelor's degree, Harvard Business School with an MBA, and University of Texas School of Law.^{[2] [3]}

Career

Liedtke moved to Midland, Texas, then opened a law practice with his brother, William, in 1949.^[2]

With the future President of the United States George H. W. Bush, the two brothers co-founded the Zapata Corporation in 1953.^[4] In the 1960s the Liedtke brothers acquired control of the South Penn Oil Company and merged it with Zapata to form a new company they called Pennzoil.^[5] In the 1980s, during his time as CEO of Pennzoil, he led the company to a court victory over Texaco.^[6]

Death

Liedtke died on March 28, 2003, in Houston, Texas.^[6]

Notes and References

1. News: J. Hugh Liedtke, 81, Oilman Who Bested Texaco in Court. New York Times. April 1, 2003. Douglas. Martin. 2015-05-04.
2. Web site: J. Hugh Liedtke 1995 . . petroleummuseum.org . The Petroleum Hall of Fame . May 6, 2015.
3. Web site: J. Hugh Liedtke, 81. 4 April 2003 .
4. Book: Bush. George W.. . 2014. Ebury Publishing. London. 9780553447781. 883645289. 61–62.
5. Encyclopedia: J. Hugh Liedtke . Encyclopædia Britannica . 4 May 2015.
6. Web site: J. Hugh Liedtke, 81; Pennzoil Chief Won Suit Against Texaco . Los Angeles Times . 5 April 2003 . 4 May 2015 . Thurber, Jon.