Lynn Alfred Townsend was born on May 12, 1919 in Flint, Michigan. He received his B.A. degree in 1940 from the University of Michigan and his M.A. in Business Administration in 1941. He then joined the accounting firm of Ernst & Ernst, later taking a leave for war-time service. He rejoined Ernst & Ernst in 1946, but left to join George Bailey & Co. as supervising accountant. Following a merger, he continued as supervising accountant with Touche, Niven, Bailey & Smart. In this role, Townsend gained knowledge of the finances of one of the firm's account, the Chrysler Corporation. In 1957, he was hired as controller of the Chrysler Corporation. Soon thereafter, he became vice president of the firm's international operations. In 1960, he was named executive administrative vice president and took over the operations of the firm. In 1961, he was named president, and in 1967, he became chairman of the board and chief executive officer. He served in this position until 1975.
From the guide to the Lynn A. Townsend papers, 1959-1978, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)
Chrysler Corporation executive.
From the description of Lynn A. Townsend papers, 1959-1975. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34419286
