Pioneering ICI Leader Sir Ronnie Hampel Passes Away
Sir Ronnie Hampel, the former CEO and chairman of ICI who oversaw the creation of Zeneca, has died. Explore his legacy as a key figure in the UK business establishment.
Sir Ronnie Hampel, a prominent figure in the British business world, has passed away. Hampel was the chief executive and chairman of ICI, the UK's largest manufacturing company, during the 1990s, and played a pivotal role in the creation of the pharmaceutical firm Zeneca, now part of AstraZeneca.
Described as a "businessman's businessman", Hampel was exceptionally well-connected, with a regular golfing group that included the then-cabinet secretary, the chairman of BP, and the permanent secretary of the Treasury. This highlighted his central position within the UK's business establishment.
Under Hampel's leadership, ICI underwent a significant reshaping in the 1990s, as the company navigated a changing industrial landscape. Hampel's strategic vision and decision-making were instrumental in shaping the company's direction during this transformative period.
Source: The Guardian
