Early Life and Education
Helen Johnson-Leipold was born in Racine, Wisconsin, to Samuel Curtis Johnson Jr. and Imogene Powers Johnson. She is a fifth-generation heir to the S.C. Johnson & Son fortune, the company known for its cleaning products. She graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in psychology.
Rise to Success
Johnson-Leipold began her career at Foote, Cone & Belding in Chicago in 1979. She joined S.C. Johnson & Son in September 1985 and held various marketing and management positions. In March 1999, she was elected Chairman and CEO of Johnson Outdoors. She also became the Chairman of Johnson Financial Group in July 2004.
Key Business Strategies
Under her leadership, Johnson Outdoors has focused on innovation and expanding its product lines in the outdoor recreation market. The company has a diverse portfolio, including fishing gear, diving equipment, camping gear, and watercraft. Johnson-Leipold has overseen strategic acquisitions and has emphasized sustainable practices within the company.
Philanthropy
Helen Johnson-Leipold is actively involved in philanthropy. She founded and chaired Next Generation Now, which focuses on child development and family education. She is also the chair of The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, which supports initiatives in environmental conservation, democracy, and health. In 2017, she and her siblings pledged $150 million to Cornell University to establish the S.C. Johnson College of Business.