Sheldon Lavin (June 17, 1932 – May 26, 2023) was an American billionaire businessman, and the owner, chief executive officer (CEO) and chairman of OSI Group, a US meat processor and the main hamburger supplier to McDonald's.[1] At his death, his net worth was estimated at US$3.1 billion.[1]

Sheldon Lavin
BornJune 17, 1932
DiedMay 26, 2023 (aged 90)
EducationRoosevelt University
OccupationBusinessman
Known forOwner, CEO and chairman, OSI Group
Spouse
Sylvia Spatz
(m. 1954; died 2009)
Children3

Early life edit

Sheldon Lavin was born in 1932.[2] He earned a bachelor's degree in business from Roosevelt University in Chicago.[2]

Career edit

In 1970, Lavin worked with OSI as a consultant to help the company organize the financing of its first modern meat plant.[1] He later became a full-time employee, and took over the business in the 1980s, eventually acquiring an estimated 90% stake.[1]

Personal life edit

Lavin lived in Highland Park, Illinois, US.[1]

He was married to Sylvia Spatz for 55 years until her death in 2009.[3][4] They had three children, Debbi Rosenberg, Steven H. Lavin, and Jerold R. Lavin, none of whom work at OSI.[3][4] Lavin was Jewish.[4] He died at his home on May 26, 2023.[5]

Honors edit

In November 2013, Lavin was inducted into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame.[6]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e "Forbes profile: Sheldon Lavin". Forbes. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  2. ^ a b "The Vision for OSI : The Leadership of Sheldon Lavin". raymondmolinar.com. December 24, 2019. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
  3. ^ a b Sorvino, Chloe (September 21, 2020). "Meet The Secretive Billionaire Who Makes McDonald's McNuggets, Burger King's Impossible Whoppers And More". Forbes. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
  4. ^ a b c "Sylvia Lavin". Legacy. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
  5. ^ "Sheldon Lavin". Legacy.com. May 28, 2023. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  6. ^ "Rotten meat scandal: company boss Sheldon Lavin battles to turn things round". South China Morning Post. 31 July 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2020.