WAYZATA, Minn. — Minnesota-based Cargill has announced the death of longtime CEO Whitney MacMillan at the age of 90.
MacMillan died March 11 in Vero Beach, Florida, according to his obituary.
"I join Cargill employees and alumni in mourning the loss of Whitney MacMillan," said current Cargill CEO Dave MacLennan in a statement. "This is also a time to celebrate his life—and the contributions he made to our company, to the food and ag industries and to communities around the world. Whitney’s vision statement at Cargill was, 'we will be the best' and every day he lived that ambition, personally and professionally."
MacMillan was born in Orono, Minnesota, the great-grandson of company founder W.W. Cargill. He was a graduate of Blake School and Yale University.
MacMillan spent 44 years at Cargill, including nearly 20 years as chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 1976 until his retirement in 1995.
"He expanded the company from 31 to 53 countries and quadrupled our employee base. Under his leadership, Cargill entered the canola, cocoa, cotton, malt and fertilizer trading arenas and also began processing beef and pork, with our company being the first to adopt a model for the humane treatment of animals," MacLennan said. "But Whitney’s most important contribution was his vision for a company that prioritizes purpose with profits—one that creates better prices and access for farmers and customers, brings people out of poverty and raises the standard of living around the world. That vision continues to guide our work today."
MacMillan's family is planning a private service at a later date. According to the obituary, the family has also asked that those wishing to honor Whitney MacMillan and his family send memorials in his name to Yale University and The Mayo Clinic.
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