George Kenning (business consultant)

George Kenning (September 23, 1913 – November 3, 1988) was an American manager and consultant. He began his career as a metal finisher at General Motors' (GM) Fisher Body Division plant in Janesville, Wisconsin. After outstanding achievement at St. Mary's College in Minnesota,[1] he was invited to study engineering at the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, and later became an executive in GM's personnel operations. In 1950, Kenning moved to Antwerp where he became director of personnel at General Motors Continental.[2] He left GM in 1954 to join Kelly-Read and Company, Inc.[3] In 1955, he was sent by the United States State Department to Norway aid industrial development in that country.[4] He continued to work as business consultant in Norway for the next 30 years.[5] He counseled Norwegian companies in a variety of industries, including shipbuilding, oil exploration, and mining.[6] His work was particularly influential in Aker thus giving rise to the so-called "Aker school of leadership" in Norway.[5] Kenning received the Knight, First Class Order of St. Olav for his work in Norway.[7]

George Kenning
Born(1913-09-23)September 23, 1913
Wisconsin, United States
DiedNovember 3, 1988(1988-11-03) (aged 75)
Occupation(s)Manager and consultant

References

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  1. ^ "Geo. Kenning, Son of Former Resident Honored at St. Mary's College". The Lake Geneva Regional News. April 25, 1935. p. 13 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ "Kenning, Overseas for GM, Taking New Post in U.S." Janesville Daily Gazette. January 2, 1954. p. 7 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "New Job for Graduate of St. Mary's College". The Winona Daily News. January 4, 1954. p. 15.
  4. ^ "Rutherford Resident to Fly To Norway, Aid Its Industries". The Herald News. March 29, 1955. p. 16 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b Kalleberg, Ragnvald. «Kenning-tradisjonen i norsk ledelse» s. 218- 245 i Nytt Norsk Tidsskrift, nr. 3, 1991.
  6. ^ "High Nordic Laurels for an Engineer". The Daily News. June 4, 1978. p. J8 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Rutherford man knighted by Norwegians". The Record. July 2, 1978 – via Newspapers.com.