Robert Stephen Ingersoll (January 28, 1914 – August 22, 2010) was an American businessman and former diplomat. Ingersoll was Chief executive officer and chairman of the Board of BorgWarner and his international business experience was an important factor in his selection as United States Ambassador to Japan from 1972 to 1973, and assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs from 1973 to 1974, both during President Richard Nixon's term in office. He served as United States Deputy Secretary of State from 1974 to 1976 under both Presidents Nixon and Gerald Ford.

Biography

Ingersoll was born on January 28, 1914, in Galesburg, Illinois. After two years with the Armco Steel Corporation, he was hired in 1939 by his father's company, Ingersoll Steel and Disc Company. He was named as that firm's chairman and chief executive in 1961. As CEO, Ingersoll was an active supporter of Urban League programs, supporting "better housing, economic opportunities and voting rights for the colored race" and noting that "[o]ur labor force will be increasingly Negro". In 1974, he was named as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and served in that post until 1976.

References

  • Light & Truth biography from Yale University
  • Council of American Ambassadors profile
  • The United States in Asia