Edgar Monsanto Queeny, a distinguished U.S. industrialist, held the esteemed position of chairman at the renowned Monsanto corporation from 1928 until his well-deserved retirement in 1960.
As the son of John Francis Queeny, the founder of the Monsanto corporation, and Olga Méndez Monsanto, the namesake of the company, Edgar Monsanto Queeny was deeply rooted in the company's history and legacy.
Prior to taking the helm at Monsanto, Queeny served his country with pride, serving as a seaman in the U.S. Navy during the First World War.
In 1928, Queeny assumed leadership of the Monsanto corporation, just as the company was poised to become a publicly traded entity on the New York Stock Exchange. Throughout his tenure, he guided the company through the turbulent 1929 stock market crisis and steered it towards becoming a leading U.S. industrial conglomerate with a global presence.
Under Queeny's visionary leadership, Monsanto's assets grew exponentially, from $12 million when he took over to a staggering $857 million in 1958.
In addition to his impressive business accomplishments, Queeny was also a passionate conservationist, with a keen interest in filmmaking. He produced and directed several documentaries, including some from Africa, showcasing his dedication to preserving the natural world and sharing his love of filmmaking with the world.
