The dastardly Mr Deedes
Interesting that Sir Philip Green spoke to ITV’s Robert Peston over the BBC last night about BHS. Peston’s 2008 book Who Runs Britain? contains a revoltingly hagiographic chapter dedicated to Green’s prowess. Sample platitudes: ‘Probably the greatest retailer of his generation.’ ‘The loveable rogue of the British billionaire class.’ ‘The matchless hero, the nonpareil of the new monied class.’ ‘The unchallenged king of British buyouts’ with ‘one of the best analytical brains in British Business, a natural talent like a top class footballer’s.’ Was Shifty counting on an easy ride?
Former Treasury egghead Sir John Kingman has been cleared by the appointments watchdog to become chairman of Legal & General, for which he’ll be paid £340,000 for a three-day week. At 47, Kingman seems astonishingly young for such a role, particularly as chief executive Nigel Wilson is 59. Nor has he any previous experience in insurance. No matter. ExWhitehall mandarins are always top picks for lucrative board jobs.
EasyJet boss Dame Carolyn McCall, 55, will address students at Kent University tomorrow, in a lecture bravely called ‘Ask me anything!’ Virgin Airlines boss Sir Richard Branson is often asked whether he’s a member of the ‘Mile-High Club’ (he is). I’m trusting that refined Dame Carolyn won’t be subjected to any such impudence.
Crotchety former Bank of England economist David Blanchflower, 64, attacks William Hague over his criticism of central bankers. ‘He should keep his nose out of things he doesn’t understand.’ Blanchflower’s an oaf, but might have a point. Once considered an homme serieux, ex-McKinsey man Hague’s judgment has been iffy since he began flaunting his friendship with creepy actress Angelina Jolie.
Barely a week in the job, and the knives are already out for the British Chambers of Commerce’s ambitious, Washington-born director general Adam Marshall, 38. Previously the lobby group’s policy director, some members still aren’t happy at the shafting of his predecessor John Longworth, 58, forced out in March after backing Brexit. They also hoped a British D-G was not beyond the BCC’s grasp.