John H. Tyson

John Tyson (born September 5, 1953) is an American billionaire heir and businessman. He was chief executive officer (CEO) of the family business, Tyson Foods (nyse: TSN), from 2000 to 2006, and has been chairman since 1998.

Early life
Tyson was born on September 5, 1953, in Springdale, Arkansas. His grandfather was John W. Tyson, the founder of Tyson Foods. His father, Don Tyson, was CEO of the family business. His mother was Jean Tyson. He graduated from Springdale High School in 1971. He attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he was initiated into the Phi Delta Theta fraternity in 1972. He then transferred to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Finally, he transferred to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where he received a bachelor of business administration degree. He attended the University of Arkansas School of Law for a year, but dropped out, deciding that becoming a lawyer was not for him.

Career
He worked at the family business, Tyson Foods, since his teenage years. In 1984, he joined the board of directors. In 1990, he served as vice chairman and in 1993, as president of the beef and pork division. He was CEO from 1999 to 2006. Since 1998, he has been chairman. Under his leadership as chairman and CEO, Tyson Foods acquired IBP, Inc., becoming the world's largest protein-processing company. Under his leadership as Chairman, Tyson acquired Hillshire Brands for $63 per share, making the merger the largest deal within the meat industry.

He is a member of the board of directors of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

He is the founder of the Blessings Golf Club in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Personal life
He is an Episcopalian. He collects art, and owns paintings by Willem de Kooning, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. He married in 1987 and divorced in 1998. He lives in Johnson, Arkansas. He fathered two children John Randal and Olivia Laine.