William Post (June 27, 1927 – February 10, 2024) was an American businessman and inventor. Born to Dutch immigrants and raised in Michigan, Post became the plant manager for Hekman Biscuit company, a cookie company he worked for since he was sixteen years old. As plant manager, he was approached by Kellogg's to create a toaster pastry which later became known as the Pop-Tart, gaining credit for leading the team that invented the confection.[1][2] He eventually became senior vice president of Keebler's until his retirement at age 56. After he retired, Post worked as a consultant and brand ambassador until 2003.
Early life
Post was born on June 27, 1927, to Henry Post and Johanna Jongsta in Grand Rapids, Michigan.[1] His parents were poor Dutch immigrants and his father worked as a truck driver, carrying out used ashes from coal furnaces. Post's family lived on the south side of Grand Rapids and he attended high school at Grand Rapids Christian High School.[1]