H. R. Haldeman

Harry Robbins "Bob" Haldeman (better known as H. R. Haldeman; October 27, 1926 – November 12, 1993) was an American political aide and businessman, best known for his service as White House Chief of Staff to President Richard Nixon.

Haldeman was born in Los Angeles, attained his Eagle Scout rank and served in the Navy Reserve during World War II. He attended UCLA in the 1940s and later joined the advertising firm of J. Walter Thompson, becoming a successful executive in the company. His work for Nixon began as an advance man on Nixon's 1956 and 1960 campaigns, and Haldeman managed Nixon's 1962 run for Governor of California. When Nixon was elected President in 1968, he chose Haldeman to be his Chief of Staff.

Haldeman gained a stern reputation for expecting top of the line work. He and the President were very close – Haldeman was even dubbed "the President's son-of-a-bitch" – and Nixon relied on him to filter information that came into his office and to see to it that information was properly dispensed. To more easily accomplish this, Haldeman reorganized the White House staff to a "funnel" model still followed in the White House today. Recognized by his distinctive flattop haircut, Haldeman would serve throughout Nixon's first term and into his second, though his service was cut short due to the unfolding Watergate scandal, and his role in it. Resigning in April 1973, Haldeman was later tried on counts of perjury, conspiracy and obstruction of justice, and was imprisoned for 18 months.

After his release, he rejoined the business world.