Edward R. Telling, 86; CEO Led Sears Into Financial Services
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Edward R. Telling, 86, who as chairman and chief executive of Sears, Roebuck and Co. led the retailer’s expansion into financial services in the early 1980s, died of cancer Wednesday in North Palm Beach, Fla.
Telling was chairman and CEO of Sears from 1978 until his retirement in 1985.
Under his direction, the company moved into financial services, acquiring the Coldwell Banker real estate firm and Dean Witter Reynolds in one week in 1981.
Sears also launched the Discover credit card in 1985 during Telling’s tenure.
