Jones, Reginald Harold (1917- )

English-born US business executive. He was president of General Electric (GE) 1972-73 and chairman and chief executive 1972-81. He developed a reputation as a superior financial planner. His peers voted him the country's most influential executive in 1979. As the head of the world's largest manufacturer of electrical equipment, he was also vocal in the public policy arena.

He was instrumental after the early 1970s in focusing GE on high-technology markets in the nuclear reactor, jet engine, and consumer products sector; in leading the company's diversification into financial and industrial services through a programme of acquisitions; and in expanding overseas operations. Under his leadership GE developed such products as CT scanners and industrial plastics.

Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, he was a childhood immigrant to the USA. He joined GE in 1939, and worked in the finance and manufacturing divisions.