Gene Klein
| Gene Klein | |
|---|---|
| Born |
January 29, 1921 The Bronx, New York |
| Died | March 12, 1990 (aged 69) Rancho Santa Fe, California |
| Cause of death | Heart attack |
| Residence | Rancho Santa Fe, California |
| Occupation | Businessman, sports team owner, racehorse owner/breeder |
| Known for | Seattle SuperSonics, San Diego Chargers, Lady's Secret, Winning Colors |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Board member of | National General Corp., Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, University of San Diego |
| Spouse(s) | Joyce F. |
| Children | son Michael, daughter Randee |
| Honors | Eclipse Award for Outstanding Thoroughbred Owner (1985, 1986, 1987) |
Eugene Victor Klein (January 29, 1921 – March 12, 1990) was an American businessman who was Chairman of the Board of Directors and chief stockholder of National General Corp., an insurance and entertainment company based in Los Angeles, California. Klein was also a founding partner of the Seattle SuperSonics of the National Basketball Association, owner of the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League from 1966 to 1984, and a major figure in Thoroughbred horse racing.
Born in The Bronx, New York, Gene Klein made his money and reputation in California where he owned a very successful used-car dealership. He was an investor in National Theaters and Television, Inc., which became National General Corp. When the company ran into severe financial difficulty, Klein stepped in to save his investment. As a member of the Board of Directors he became actively involved in the company's restructuring and not only restored it to profitability but turned the company into an industry powerhouse. He would end up being appointed its president and chairman.
In 1969, National General Corp acquired Great American Holding Corp., owner of the Great American Insurance Company. In 1973 they merged to become American Financial Group.
A long-time Democratic Party supporter, Klein helped finance Pierre Salinger in his 1964 election campaign for the United States Senate. When Salinger lost, Klein hired him as National General's vice president in charge of advertising. In 1972 Klein left the Democratic party to support the 1972 Presidential candidacy of Republican, Richard Nixon.
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