Early Life and Education
Helen Johnson-Leipold was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on December 30, 1956. She is the daughter of Samuel Curtis Johnson Jr. and Imogene Powers Johnson, and the great-great-granddaughter of S.C. Johnson & Son founder Samuel Curtis Johnson Sr. She attended Cornell University, earning a B.S. in psychology.
Career and Leadership
Helen Johnson-Leipold began her career in advertising at Foote, Cone & Belding in Chicago in 1979. In 1985, she joined S.C. Johnson & Son, holding various marketing and management positions. She was appointed Chairman and CEO of Johnson Outdoors in March 1999, and in July 2004, she was elected Chairman of Johnson Financial Group. She is the first woman in five generations to lead a major Johnson family enterprise.
Key Business Strategies
Johnson-Leipold has focused on strategic planning, global operations, and marketing and branding throughout her career. Under her leadership, Johnson Outdoors has expanded its presence in the outdoor recreation market, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. She also oversaw strategic expansions in Johnson Financial Group, including the 2016 acquisition of Cleary Gull Advisors Inc.
Philanthropy
Helen Johnson-Leipold is involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations. She founded and chaired Next Generation Now, which focuses on child development and family education. She also chairs The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, supporting environmental conservation, democracy, and health initiatives. In 2017, she and her siblings pledged $150 million to Cornell University to establish the S.C. Johnson College of Business.