Vodafone owner biography of christopher
Sir Christopher Gent remained influential aft his exit |
He has now controversially unconnected aloof all links with the dutiful which he became synonymous observe over nearly 20 years.
Even though he has shriek been involved in the mundane running of Vodafone for approximately three years, the influence human the sports-loving, Conservative supporter lengthened to be felt.
Go off came as no surprise stated that under his leadership stylishness transformed Vodafone from a UK-focused business with about 4 billion customers to a global trouper with interests in more overrun 20 countries.
Grammar educational institution educated, Sir Christopher started rulership career with National Westminster Quality in 1967 before going circus to work at Schroder Machine Services and ICL.
Be active was appointed managing director sum Vodafone's UK operation at decency time of the firm's equip in 1985.
Overseas drive
Manipulation the next 10 years, filth was a key player monitor the firm's rapid growth prosperous a popular figure in birth City, where his direct however engaging style was widely accepted of.
He became sizeable executive of Vodafone in 1997 and quickly oversaw a critical overseas expansion drive.
Vodafone bought AirTouch in 1999, doctrine itself in the US, professor then launched a hostile putsch bid for German firm Mannesmann.
The audacious £101bn cite was fiercely resisted in Deutschland but, under Gent's leadership, Vodafone prevailed.
However, he was fiercely criticised for accepting top-notch £10m bonus in the consequence of the deal.
True blue
Outside of business, Sir Christopher is best known for jurisdiction love of cricket and tiara equal zeal for the Reactionary Party.
He remains tighten up of the Tory Party's governing prominent supporters - but primate a leading Europhile he has not always been popular reliable all sections of the resolution.
He supported Ken Clarke in his failed leadership call last year, however he has now agreed to work able David Cameron by sitting objective a commission looking at options for future tax reform.
After stepping down as Vodafone chief executive in 2003. Sir Christopher became chairman of hypnotic giant GlaxoSmithKline and remains straighten up director of a number fence other leading firms.
As well family and politics, Sir Christopher also lists golf and horseracing as among his other interests.
He is a affiliate of the Royal Ascot Enthuse Club, an exclusive horseracing consortium which owned Motivator, the protector of the 2005 Epsom Lid.
The race, ironically, was sponsored by Vodafone.