HARTFORD, Conn. - Harry J. Gray, the retired United Technologies Corp. chief executive who is credited with transforming the company into an industrial conglomerate, died Wednesday. He was 89.

United Technologies Corp. said he died in Hartford.

Gray, who became president of what was then United Aircraft Corp. in 1971, served as chairman and CEO from 1972 to 1986.

The Hartford-based United Technologies, which is the parent of jet engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, Otis elevator, Sikorsky Aircraft and other businesses, credits Gray for leading it from a $2 billion defense company to a $17 billion diversified conglomerate. It posted revenue of $58.68 billion in 2008.

Before arriving at United Technologies, Gray was chief financial officer at Litton Industries.

In retirement, Gray and his wife, Helen, contributed to organizations such as Hartford Hospital, University of Hartford, University of Connecticut, University of Illinois, Mark Twain House in Hartford and other organizations, United Technologies said.

Gray served as a captain in the Army during World War II.