Share

Ross Perot biography

1 photo

Quick Facts

  • NAME: Henry Ross Perot
  • OCCUPATION: Business Leader
  • BIRTH DATE: June 27, 1930 (Age: 81)
  • EDUCATION: Texarkana Junior College, United States Naval Academy
  • PLACE OF BIRTH: Texarkana, Texas
more about Ross

Best Known For

Ross Perot is an American businessman who founded Electronic Data Systems and ran for the United States Presidency as an independent twice, in 1992 and 1996.


Synopsis

Ross Perot is a U.S. businessman who worked for IBM from 1957 to 1962, soon forming his own company, Electronic Data Systems. He sold it to General Motors in 1984 for $2.5 billion. In 1992 he ran as an independent candidate for U.S. president, winning 19% of the popular vote. He ran again in 1996. The Reform Party, which he founded in 1995, gradually established its autonomy from him.

Contents

Profile

(born June 27, 1930, Texarkana, Texas, U.S.) U.S. businessman. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, he served in the navy (1953–57). He worked for IBM from 1957 to 1962, when he formed his own company, Electronic Data Systems; he sold it in 1984 to General Motors for $2.5 billion. In 1992 he became an independent candidate for U.S. president. Appealing to voters dissatisfied with traditional party politics, he won 19 of the popular vote, the best third-party presidential showing since 1912. He ran again in 1996 but received only 8 of the vote. His Reform Party, which he founded in 1995, gradually established its autonomy from him.

Copyright © 1994-2011 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. For more information visit Britannica.com

ADVERTISEMENT

GetGlue

9438032 9438032
profile id: 9438032
profile name: Ross Perot
profile occupation:
related profile id: 9438032
related profile name: Ross Perot
related profile occupation:
related profile img: /imported/images/Biography/Images/Profiles/P/Ross-Perot-9438032-1-402.jpg
related profile URL: /people/ross-perot-9438032
profile
pop
Your Connections

Sign in with Facebook to see how you and your friends are connected to famous icons.

specific profile connection
Your Friends' Connections
specific friend connection
Profile Connections
    Show More Connections
    Included In These Groups
    • Famous Military Veterans

      America wouldn't be what it is today without Hollywood, and it certainly wouldn't be the same without its armed forces. Military veterans make the ultimate contribution to society—they put their lives on the line for their country. Since the nation's founding, the dedication and bravery of soldiers has been the a key pillar on which the United States stands. From Revolutionary War heroes to Vietnam veterans, here's a look at famous military veterans.

      View group

      Famous Military Veterans 211 people in this group

    • Eagle Scouts

      Incorporated in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was founded with the aim of instilling ethics and morals into the lives of young boys. A Scout is a "trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent," boy who, above all, strives to "be prepared" and "do his best." The highest order of these Boy Scouts are the Eagle Scouts, a rare group of young men who rise through the scouting ranks to earn 21 merit badges, serve for six months in a troop leadership position, and successfully complete a strict Eagle Scout board of review, among other requirements.

      The first Eagle Scout to complete this training was 17-year-old Arthur R. Eldred, on September 2, 1912. Since then, more than 2 million Boy Scouts have earned the coveted rank. Here are some of the most famous of the honorable young men who made it to the top of the Boy Scouts program.

      View group

      Eagle Scouts 26 people in this group

    • Famous Cancerians 463 people in this group

    See all related groups

    Celebrity Connections

    Show More Connections
    Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!