# James Ford Bell: founder, General Mills

Canonical ID: `a594092f-6d72-4049-b6c7-f8beb314cdab`

American business leader and philanthropist (1879-1961) who founded General Mills in 1928 by consolidating Washburn-Crosby with other regional mills. Served as president and chairman of the merged company for many years. Previously led Washburn-Crosby, the Minneapolis flour miller behind Gold Medal flour, and pioneered branded flour marketing. A University of Minnesota regent for 24 years and a major philanthropist to the university's libraries and medical research.

- **Nationality:** American
- **Verification posture:** verified

## Foundings (1)

- [General Mills](https://registry.deploy.report/companies/general-mills.md) founded 1928-01-01 (cofounder) _no longer at company_

See all founders: [/founders](https://registry.deploy.report/founders.md)

## Co-founders (1)

- [Cadwallader C. Washburn](https://registry.deploy.report/people/cadwallader-washburn.md) co-founded [General Mills](https://registry.deploy.report/companies/general-mills.md) (1866-01-01)

## Former / Previously (1)

- [General Mills](https://registry.deploy.report/companies/general-mills.md) Founder (General Mills consolidation)

## Sources (3)

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Mills
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Ford_Bell
3. https://www.generalmills.com/news-and-stories/stories/60-years-of-food-research-and-innovation-at-jfb


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