Keith Crane
Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Colgate-Palmolive Company
1921 - 2016
It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Keith Crane, beloved former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Keith served Colgate for more than 50 years and, as CEO in the 1980s, helped lay the foundation for the core category strategy that has guided our success ever since.
Beginning in 1937 when he joined Colgate in the New Zealand Accounting department and through the decades that followed, Keith built a reputation for keen insight and leadership abilities, and unwavering integrity. His experience in a wide range of functions and business operations led to his repeated advancement through general management roles in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and later to leadership of the International, Far East and Kendall business units.
Capping his Colgate career, Keith became President and Chief Operating Officer in 1974, overseeing multiple operating divisions and functions, and from 1979 until 1984 he was Colgate’s Chief Executive Officer. He served on the Board for fourteen years and, as its Chairman, recruited Colgate’s first female director.
Many Colgate People who joined the Company after Keith retired from the Board in 1989 know that his deep interest and loyalty extended for the decades since then. During regular visits to company facilities in New York and Sydney, he continued to maintain his knowledge of our evolving business and his steadfast commitment to our success. His generous sharing of his experience and wisdom was a gift that many savored and credit as an invaluable source of learning.
All Colgate People join in extending our condolences to his wife, Mary, his sons Ian and Malcolm and their extended families.
Notes of condolence may be sent to:
Mrs. Mary Crane and Family
45 Bennett Street
Cremorne N.S.W.
2090, Australia