Advanced to President and CEO of White Motor Company during a 22-year career that included guiding White to success with its first $250 million sales year.
Joined Mack Trucks as President 1972, advancing to Chairman and CEO in 1974.
Henry J. Nave was instrumental in the success of two of the nation’s major truck companies. After graduating from Temple University, Nave began his career with Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in 1936 as a sales trainee. During 10 years with Firestone he advanced to National Sales Manager, then established his own automotive parts distribution company and became one of Firestone’s largest distributors. In 1950, Nave joined White Motor Company as sales manager. He advanced to President and CEO before resigning in 1972 to join Mack Trucks as President. At Mack, Nave was said to “make the Bulldog growl louder.”
Working to streamline production and increasing capacity with a state-of-the-art assembly plant, he led Mack Trucks to its first $1 billion sales year. Nave was named Chairman and CEO in 1974 and held the position for two years before stepping down to serve as a special advisor and represent the company in government, and other forums such as serving on the advisory committee of the National Transportation Safety Board.
Remaining active even after retirement, Nave served the Ducks Unlimited conservation organization as President and donated his time to the Boy Scouts, which honored Nave with its highest award, the Silver Beaver.