Skills and experience: John was the Chief Executive of ICI plc until ICI’s acquisition by Akzo Nobel. He has held a number of positions at Unilever, within its Birds Eye, Walls, Quest International and Unichema International businesses.

External appointments: John is Chairman of United Utilities Group PLC and of Rentokil Initial plc, the Senior Independent Director of J Sainsbury plc and a non-executive director of Sara Lee Corporation.