In 1981, Jack Welch faced the difficult challenge of taking charge at GE after its predecessor, Reg Jones, had left the company. Welch successfully led major changes to GE's structure and culture, taking advantage of the economic recession to restructure and internationalize GE. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Welch launched a series of initiatives aimed at adding value and building a solid foundation for future growth at GE through restructuring, rebuilding, and establishing new opportunities for growth. Welch's leadership played a key role in GE's substantial growth and financial success between 1981 and 2000.