Walter A. Haas Sr. (May 11, 1889 – December 7, 1979) was an American billionaire businessman who was the president and CEO (1928–1955) and chairman (1955–1970) of Levi Strauss & Co.
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Early life and education
Haas was born to a Jewish family, one of four children of Abraham Haas and Fanny Koshland. His father was an immigrant from Bavaria who was a founder of Hellman, Haas & Co. (later Haas, Baruch & Co., which ultimately merged with Smart & Final). His mother was a daughter of Simon Koshland, one of the most successful wool merchants in San Francisco. His siblings were Charles Haas (1888-?), Ruth Haas Lilienthal (1891-1975, m. Philip N. Lilienthal Jr.), and Eleanor Haas Koshland (1900-1959, m. Daniel E. Koshland Sr.).
In 1910, Haas graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a member of the Order of the Golden Bear.
Haas served in the U.S. Army Field Artillery during World War I.