Executive Transformed United Technologies

Harry J. Gray, 89, a retired United Technologies chief executive credited with transforming the company into a defense and industrial giant, died July 8 at a hospital in Hartford, Conn. No cause of death was reported.

Mr. Gray, who became president of what was then United Aircraft in 1971, served as chairman and chief executive of the company from 1972 to 1986.

Hartford-based United Technologies, parent company of jet engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, the Otis elevator company, Sikorsky Aircraft and other businesses, credits Mr. Gray for transforming it from a $2 billion defense company to a $17 billion diversified conglomerate. It posted revenue of $59 billion last year.

During his tenure, Mr. Gray made strong but unsuccessful attempts to gain control of Babcock & Wilcox, which makes power-generating equipment, and Bendix, an auto parts and electronics company.

In 1986, the publication Intercorp called Mr. Gray "one of industry's most feared raiders" and described his success in diversifying the company. Intercorp said that one "black mark on Gray's acquisition scorecard was [United Technologies'] push into the semiconductor market."

The company also reportedly experienced turmoil in its executive ranks. At least two men who had hoped to succeed Mr. Gray as chief executive left abruptly. Mr. Gray was said to have played a role in forcing their resignations. At the same time, he played a crucial role in selecting Gen. Alexander M. Haig Jr. as president of the company in 1979. Haig left two years later to become U.S. secretary of state under President Ronald Reagan.

Harry Jack Gray was born Nov. 18, 1919, in Milledgeville Crossroads, Ga., and grew up in Chicago. After graduating from the University of Illinois, he served in the Army in Europe during World War II and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. His decorations included the Silver Star.

After the war, he held sales and executive positions with companies in Chicago. In 1956, he was named president of the U.S. engineering division of Litton Industries in Van Nuys, Calif. He became senior executive vice president of Litton in Beverly Hills before joining United Aircraft.

In retirement, he and his wife, the former Helen Buckley, contributed to organizations such as Hartford Hospital, the University of Hartford, the University of Connecticut, the University of Illinois and the Mark Twain House in Hartford, United Technologies said.

-- From staff and wire reports