Richard A. Hackborn

Institute of Technology, September 23, 2005

Richard A. Hackborn received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1960. He is described as having had a truly revolutionary impact on computing, computer peripherals, and the way computers and other information appliances are used on a daily basis. Under his leadership, Hewlett Packard’s first successful business computer systems were developed, as well as the laser and inkjet printers, scanners, handheld information products, storage devices, and personal computers. He spent his entire professional career at Hewlett-Packard and is credited with being one of the company’s most visionary leaders. Following retirement, he served on Microsoft’s Board of Directors and as director of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. In 1997, he and his wife established the Hackborn Foundation, which provides grants to arts, higher education, and human services organizations.