Robert Hildebrand Thrived in His Career with General Electric

    GLEN ELLYN, IL April 07, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Robert Hildebrand has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Before embarking on his corporate career, Mr. Hildebrand was recruited to the roster of the Denver Central Bankers, a team from the National Industrial Basketball League in 1952. His athletic talents also afforded him an opportunity to expand upon his education through a scholarship to Illinois Wesleyan University, from which he earned an associate's degree in 1952. As a testament to his outstanding accomplishments as a basketball player, he received multiple All-State and All-Star Awards and was notably inducted to the Order of Titans by Illinois Wesleyan University. However, Mr. Hildebrand decided to seek a career in business, as the risk of a career-ending injury in the National Industrial Basketball League was too great and would have limited his professional ambitions thereafter.

Mr. Hildebrand previously served with the General Electric Company for 15 years, during which time he was invited to refine his skills through a three-year corporate management development program, which aided him in learning all aspects of the company. Acknowledged as one of the top graduates of this program, he was responsible for identifying areas that could be utilized to develop and open new plants that would expand the company's global presence. Specializing in employee relations, a field that would eventually become better known as human resources, he traveled consistently for General Electric, working with electric motor engines at first, then traveling to Cincinnati to work with jet engines. His later assignments would include plants at East Boston, to Lynn, MA, to Fort Wayne, IN, to Bloomington, IN, and Decatur, IL, over the next 15 years. Beyond his primary professional responsibilities, Mr. Hildebrand was affiliated with charitable organizations such as the United Fund.

After a lengthy career with General Electric, Mr. Hildebrand accepted a generous offer by R.R. Donnelley, a printing firm responsible for magazines, catalogues, books and business reports, which initially hired him as an officer in 1968. Over the course of his nearly 25-year tenure, he contributed to R.R. Donnelley in its plant expansion, both in America and internationally, elevated its global presence, solidified its union-free status and helped select the employees for its facilities. Upon his retirement in 1993, Mr. Hildebrand nevertheless continued his contributions to R.R. Donnelley as a part-time specialist between 1993 and his permanent retirement in 2000. His years of experience made him an invaluable resource as a consultant.

Throughout his career, Mr. Hildebrand has been synonymous with honesty and direct communication, as he prides himself on remaining humble despite his athletic achievements. He attributes his success to his excellent education, his thoughtful mindset, which prevented him from getting in trouble, and an unwavering sense of direction which remained in the face of any developments in his career. A devout Christian, Mr. Hildebrand is grateful to have conducted all of his businesses in a Christian manner, which left an impression on his colleagues and subordinates over the years. According to Mr. Hildebrand, "You've got to be honest in all of your dealings," and he holds himself and his colleagues to that same standard.

Looking back, Mr. Hildebrand fondly recalls General Electric thriving under his direction. Having been praised for his unique and acceptable personality in the workplace by the numerous people who worked under his direction, he was committed to being a decent human being while completing his assignments. Likewise, Mr. Hildebrand remains closely involved with basketball to this day.

Even though his professional accomplishments are many and varied in nature, Mr. Hildebrand has always prioritized the needs of his family, as he supported them to the best of his ability throughout their career. In turn, his family has been likewise loyal and supportive of him, even in light of his corporate responsibilities. In fact, Mr. Hildebrand transitioned from his role with General Electric to R.R. Donnelley primarily because he decided that a future in Chicago was preferable and advantageous for his family, as opposed to a future in New York City.

Regarding his personal accomplishments, Mr. Hildebrand is proud to have been married to the light of his life, Ann Ash, later Ann (Ash) Hildebrand, for 70 years. The two became close when they were both in high school, though they did not attend the same one. Through all of his trials and tribulations, Mr. Hildebrand cites Ann's support and advice as a critical factor, which aided him in navigating these difficult waters. Since the tragic passing of his wife in 2022, Mr. Hildebrand has been dedicated to tracking the rising academic, athletic and professional success of his children and grandchildren, including that of his son, who was a starting point guard at Northwestern University, and served as co-captain during his senior year.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Marquis celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2023, and Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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