J. Tracy O’Rourke led Allen-Bradley as president and CEO from 1978 to 1990, before moving to Silicon Valley to lead Varian Associates. Allen-Bradley was purchased by Rockwell Automation in 1985.
O’Rourke retired from Varian in 1999 after a very successful career in Turnaround Management. He was brilliant at the helm of his companies. He was a master at taking failing companies and turning them around into very profitable organizations. His accomplishments and accolades are respected and honored by all who worked with and for O’Rourke throughout his entire career. In 1997 he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Arts and Sciences from Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.
O’Rourke passed away on May 10, 2016 at the age of 81 in Portola Valley, California. He is survived by his wife, Lou Ann O’Rourke, his son, James (Jay) O’Rourke, III and his grandson, Sean O’Rourke, both of Chicago.
His obituary can be viewed here.
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