Frank Olson (business executive)

Frank Albert Olson (July 19, 1932 – April 10, 2024) was an American business executive. He was known for casting running back football player O. J. Simpson in numerous Hertz commercials.

Frank Olson
Born
Frank Albert Olson

(1932-07-19)July 19, 1932
DiedApril 10, 2024(2024-04-10) (aged 91)
Alma materCity College of San Francisco
OccupationBusiness executive

Life and career

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Frank Albert Olson was born in San Francisco, California, on July 19, 1932. At the age of 18, he was a night manager at San Francisco International Airport. He graduated from City College of San Francisco[1][2] in the 1950s and 1960s.

Olson served as Chairman of Hertz from 1980 to 2000,[2][3] having previously been CEO from 1977 to 1980. He was also an executive vice president of RCA Corporation.[4]

Olson died from complications of COVID-19 on April 10, 2024, at the age of 91.[2][5] He died on the same day as O. J. Simpson.[6][7]

References

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  1. ^ Feder, Barnaby J. (June 11, 1987). "A 'No-Nonsense' Chief Is Chosen". The New York Times. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Gabriel, Trip (April 12, 2024). "Frank Olson, Executive Who Linked O.J. Simpson With Hertz, Dies at 91". The New York Times. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  3. ^ Swisher, Kara (July 10, 2024). "O.J. and Hertz: The Rise and Fall Of A Rent-A-Star". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  4. ^ Grimm, Jack; Johnson, Clark; Rains, Rob (2004). My One Big Break. Spotlight Press. p. 149 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ "Frank Albert Olson". Dignity Memorial. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  6. ^ Stevens, Matt (April 11, 2024). "How Hertz Turned O.J. Simpson Into the 'Superstar in Rent-a-Car'". The New York Times. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  7. ^ Shapiro, Emily; Chile, Patricio (April 11, 2024). "OJ Simpson, former football star acquitted of murder, dies at 76". ABC News. Retrieved April 13, 2024.