Leslie A. Watt, retired President & CEO and second generation leader of WATT Publishing passed away in his sleep on January 31. He was 94 years old.
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Les had an amazing vision for this industry as he took WATT into the international marketplace in the late 50's with the acquisition of Industria Avicola, followed by the launch of Poultry International in the early 60's. Even today, many specialized business media companies are trying to take their portfolio reach outside of North America while WATT has been doing it for 50 years. In the early 80's Les again had a vision and created Poultry International China Edition making WATT one of the first publishers outside of China to launch a b2b local language publication in China. During his 60+ year career with WATT he received many accolades, awards and recognitions for business and for his philanthropy.
Les and his wife Kathryn traveled the world together for business and pleasure until her passing in 1986. Their business contacts and friends extended around the globe from the Netherlands and Germany to Russia, China and Thailand.
The presence of Leslie Watt is with WATT today and will continue going forward.
