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Kent B. FosterAmerican businessman, CEO and chairman of the board of Ingram Micro Inc.
Date of Birth: 01.01.1944
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Kent B. Foster: A Renowned Business Leader
- Career at GTE Corporation
- Other Business Ventures
- Public Service
- Departure from GTE and Appointment at Ingram Micro
- Success at Ingram Micro
Kent B. Foster: A Renowned Business Leader
Early Life and EducationKent B. Foster was born in North Carolina and earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1965. While serving in the United States Air Force, he completed his Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern California in 1969.
Career at GTE Corporation
After serving as a Captain in the Air Force, Foster began his career as a Senior Engineer at GTE Corporation. He quickly rose through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional managerial and leadership skills. From January 1989 to June 1995, Foster led GTE Telephone Operations. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Board from October 1993 to June 1995 and President of the Board from 1995 to 1999.
Other Business Ventures
In addition to his tenure at GTE, Foster held various leadership roles in other corporations. He was a Director of Campbell Soup Co. from 1996 to 1998 and Chairman of J C Penney Co. Inc. from 1998 to 2000. He also served as Director of the New York Life Insurance Company from 1995 to 1999.
Public Service
Foster was actively involved in public service, holding positions such as member of the Governor's Board's Governance Committee, Vice Chairman of the Corporate Organization & Compensation Committee, and Agent of the Audit Committee. He also served on the Governor's Board of the Dallas Symphony Association and the Executive Board of The Dallas Opera.
Departure from GTE and Appointment at Ingram Micro
Rumors of a merger between GTE and Bell Atlantic led Foster to resign from GTE, as he was not offered a significant leadership role in the merged company. After a brief period of rest and reflection, Foster was approached by Jerre Stead, Chairman of Ingram Micro, in January 2000. Stead, who had worked with Foster at AT&T Global Information Solutions, offered him the position of CEO and President. After two months of negotiations and interviews, Foster officially assumed the role.
Success at Ingram Micro
In May 2001, Stead retired and Foster became Chairman of the Board. Despite initial skepticism, Foster proved to be an exceptional leader. He successfully guided Ingram Micro through various challenges and exceeded expectations.
