Lewis Kelso

Lewis Kelso was an American lawyer and economist best known for developing the concept of the "Employee Stock Ownership Plan" (ESOP) in the 1950s. His work aimed to empower workers by giving them ownership stakes in their companies, which he believed would enhance economic stability and promote social equity. Kelso's ideas focused on spreading wealth and encouraging worker participation in management, advocating for a model of capitalism that included broader access to property. His contributions have influenced contemporary discussions on corporate governance and economic democracy, highlighting the importance of equitable ownership structures in the workplace.