The dastardly Mr Deedes
BT is certainly taking its time finding a chief executive after sacking Gavin Patterson three months ago. Gorgeous Gav, 50, is still in post but is expected to depart BT towers next month. I am advised the former Procter & Gamble executive’s successor is likely to come from the tech world. BT’s chairman, icy Cluedo figurine Jan du Plessis, has apparently let it be known he’s not seeking ‘another soappowder salesman’.
Mark Carney’s mildly bumptious decision to remain as Bank of England governor is a gut punch to Financial Conduct Authority boss Andrew Bailey, who was tipped as his likely successor. The pair are thought to have been quite pally while colleagues at Threadneedle Street. Carney, 53, used to call the ex- deputy governor the ‘big sexy turtle’. Conveniently, Bailey, 59, was away making a speech in Vienna last week when the governor made his announcement.
Wealth bible Forbes includes among its runners and riders for the vacant TSB job Lady Judge, the former Institute of Directors chairman forced out earlier this year amid accusations (strenuously denied) of racism and sexism. A tad flattering? Babs’s banking experience is a little on the light side and, at 71, is possibly a little long in the tooth for the role. Bit of background: Stylish Lady J reviews restaurants for Forbes, which she pays for out of her own pocket.
Following a summer of strikes, incorrigible Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has banned journalists from covering the carrier’s annual general meeting in Dublin next week. The purpose, he says, is so shareholders can raise matters with the board freely without their questions becoming ‘distorted’. But after 20-odd years at the helm, some wonder if the job’s now finally getting to 57-year-old O’Loudmouth.
Commuters making their way to the City were treated to a surprise sighting yesterday morning. Hopping on the tube in Tower Hill was England cricketer Alastair Cook, who was heading to the Oval to complete his final Test match century and enjoy what turned out to be a highly satisfactory penultimate day at the office.