Harold E. Gray

Harold E. Gray (April 15, 1906 – December 23, 1972) was an American pilot and executive for Pan American World Airways who was CEO from 1968 to 1969.

Early life and education Gray was born on April 15, 1906, in Guttenberg, Iowa. He attended the University of Iowa, but dropped out after his sophomore year to take flight training at the Army Air Corps Training Center in San Antonio, Texas. He later graduated from the University of Detroit with a degree in aeronautical engineering.

Early aviation career Gray began his aviation career with the Ford Motor Company, flying their Ford Trimotor airplanes. He then worked for Sky View Lines, flying tourists over Niagara Falls. In 1934 he qualified as Pan Am's first master of ocean flying boats.

In 1941, Gray piloted the Cape Town Clipper on what was then the world's longest proving flight. He flew 19,000 miles from La Guardia Airport in New York City to Léopoldville in the Belgian Congo and back. In 1949 he was placed in charge of the Pacific-Alaska division. In 1952 he was named executive vice president, Atlantic division. In 1959 he was elected to the board of directors.

In July 1964, Gray was elected president of Pan Am, succeeding company founder Juan Trippe, who remained as chairman and chief executive officer.

In November 1969, Gray stepped down as CEO. He was succeeded by company president Najeeb Halaby. He remained the company's chairman until May 1970 when he retired due to illness.

During his tenure as a Pan Am executive, Gray was known for improving the company's technical, safety, and operating standards.

Death Gray died on December 23, 1972, of cancer at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City.