Frank Olson (business executive)

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Frank Olson
Born
Frank Albert Olson

(1932-07-19)July 19, 1932
DiedApril 10, 2024(2024-04-10) (aged 91)
Alma materCity College of San Francisco
OccupationBusiness executive

Frank Albert Olson (July 19, 1932 – April 10, 2024) was an American business executive. He was known for casting running back football player O. J. Simpson in numerous Hertz commercials.

Life and career

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Frank Albert Olson was born in San Francisco, California, on July 19, 1932. At the age of 18, he was a night manager at San Francisco International Airport. He graduated from City College of San Francisco[1][2] in the 1950s and 1960s.

Olson served as Chairman of Hertz from 1980 to 2000,[2][3] having previously been CEO from 1977 to 1980. He was also an executive vice president of RCA Corporation.[4]

Olson died from complications of COVID-19 on April 10, 2024, at the age of 91.[2][5] He died on the same day as O. J. Simpson.[6][7]

References

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  1. ^ Feder, Barnaby J. (June 11, 1987). "A 'No-Nonsense' Chief Is Chosen". The New York Times. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Gabriel, Trip (April 12, 2024). "Frank Olson, Executive Who Linked O.J. Simpson With Hertz, Dies at 91". The New York Times. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  3. ^ Swisher, Kara (July 10, 2024). "O.J. and Hertz: The Rise and Fall Of A Rent-A-Star". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  4. ^ Grimm, Jack; Johnson, Clark; Rains, Rob (2004). My One Big Break. Spotlight Press. p. 149 – via Google Books.
  5. ^ "Frank Albert Olson". Dignity Memorial. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  6. ^ Stevens, Matt (April 11, 2024). "How Hertz Turned O.J. Simpson Into the 'Superstar in Rent-a-Car'". The New York Times. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  7. ^ Shapiro, Emily; Chile, Patricio (April 11, 2024). "OJ Simpson, former football star acquitted of murder, dies at 76". ABC News. Retrieved April 13, 2024.