Eli Lilly (industrialist)

Eli Lilly (April 1, 1885 – January 24, 1977) was a pharmaceutical industrialist and philanthropist from Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Under his vision and leadership, Eli Lilly and Company, founded by his grandfather, grew from a successful, family-owned business into a modern corporation and industry leader. Lilly served as the company president (1932–48), chairman of the board of directors (1948–61 and 1966–69), and honorary chairman of the board (1961–66 and 1969–77).