McElroy, Neil

McElroy, Neil (Hosler)

(1904–72) business executive, cabinet officer; born in Berea, Ohio. Harvard educated, he spent his career at Procter & Gamble Co., Inc., Cincinnati (1925–72), where he rose through the advertising and promotion ranks to become president (1948–57) and chairman (1959–72). He was U.S. secretary of defense (1957–59).