Early Life and Education
Herbert Fisk Johnson III, known as Fisk, was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on May 19, 1958. He is the son of Samuel Curtis Johnson Jr. and Imogene Powers Johnson and the great-great-grandson of the company's founder, Samuel Curtis Johnson. Johnson received an impressive education from Cornell University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry and physics in 1979, a Master of Engineering in 1980, a Master of Science in applied physics in 1982, an MBA in marketing and finance in 1984, and a PhD in applied physics in 1986.
Rise to Success
Johnson joined the family business, S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., in 1987 as a marketing associate. He served in numerous roles within the company, showcasing his leadership and expertise. In 2000, he was appointed chairman, and in 2004, he became the CEO, continuing the family's legacy.
Key Business Strategies
Under Johnson's leadership, S.C. Johnson has focused on sustainability and corporate responsibility. The company has been recognized for its efforts in ingredient transparency, renewable energy, and reducing plastic packaging. Johnson has also been an advocate for greater plastic regulation.
Philanthropy
The Johnson family is known for its philanthropy, particularly in education. In January 2017, H. Fisk and his siblings pledged $150 million to found the SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University. His extended family is also the named benefactor of the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University.