Henry John Kaiser (May 9, 1882 – August 24, 1967) was an American
industrialist who became known as the father of modern American
shipbuilding. He established the
Kaiser Shipyards, which built
Liberty ships during
World War II, after which he formed
Kaiser Aluminum and
Kaiser Steel. Kaiser organized
Kaiser Permanente health care for his workers and their families. He led
Kaiser-Frazer followed by
Kaiser Motors, automobile companies known for the safety of their designs. Kaiser was involved in large construction projects such as civic centers and dams, and invested in real estate. With his acquired wealth, he initiated the
Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit, non-partisan, charitable organization.