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Published on 08/28/1995 All articles from this issue

Robert Davis, Stanford business professor from LAH Robert T. Davis of Los Altos Hills, the Kresge professor of marketing at Stanford Business School, died from pneumonia Aug. 17 at Stanford University Hospital. He was 74.

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Mr. Davis was on the board of directors of Nike for more than 10 years. Philip H. Knight, chairman and chief executive officer of Nike said, "I am grateful for his sound business advice and for his creative approach to marketing. During the time he served on the board, Nike sales quintupled."

Mr. Davis was also a board member of more than 30 firms, including Saga Corp., Roman Meal Co., Kaiser Cement Corp., Armor All Products, Blitz-Weinhard Co. and Anthem Electronics.

Mr. Davis was known to his colleagues as one of the finest teachers in the history of the business school. He joined the business school faculty in 1958. Mr. Davis also was director of the Stanford Executive Program and the Sloan Program.

Mr. Davis received his bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees from Harvard University. Except for leaves of absence to work for Varian Corp. and Nike, his academic career lasted from 1946 until his retirement in 1990.

He co-authored seven textbooks, including "Marketing in Emerging Companies" and "Marketing Management Casebook". His most recent journal article, "Alternative Succession Strategies," was published in the summer issue of "Directors and Boards."

He is survived by his wife, Hazel Davis of Los Altos Hills, and sons, Stephen of Novato, Peter of Champaign-Urbana, Ill. and John, of Portland, Ore.; two daughters-in-law; and six grandchildren. He also leaves a brother and two sisters: Donald Davis and Jean Davis of Orlando, Fla., and Dorothy Davis, of Amherst, Mass.

The family prefers donations be sent to Anne Kristen Davis Scholarship Fund, in honor of his late granddaughter. Donations should be sent to the Office of Development, Encina Hall, Stanford University, Stanford 94305-6076.