The 73-year-old executive led GE from 1981 through 2001 and picked the largest U.S. conglomerate's current chief, Jeff Immelt.
Welch, the author of several books on management, including "Winning," earned the nickname "Neutron Jack" early in his tenure for his aggressive restructuring actions. During his time as CEO the company's revenue grew from about $26.8 million to nearly $130 billion and its market value surged from $13 billion to several hundred billion dollars.