Fairless, Benjamin F.

Fairless, Benjamin F. (Franklin) (b. Benjamin Franklin Williams)

(1890–1962) industrialist; born in Pigeon Run, Ohio. He changed his name to Fairless when he was adopted as a young boy. Trained as a civil engineer, he rose to be president during 17 years at Central Steel Company before joining U.S. Steel (president, 1938–55; chairman and CEO, 1952–55), which he directed through decades of modernization and expansion and four major strikes. He was a prominent champion of big business.