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Sir John Harvey-Jones dies at 83 Sir John Harvey-Jones dies at 83
(20 minutes later)
Former chairman of ICI, Sir John Harvey-Jones has died, it has been announced. Former chairman of chemicals firm ICI Sir John Harvey-Jones has died, it has been announced.
The 83-year-old died peacefully in his sleep following a long illness, his agent said.The 83-year-old died peacefully in his sleep following a long illness, his agent said.
Sir John became well known for his BBC show Troubleshooter in which he helped struggling businesses. Sir John was also known for his BBC show Troubleshooter, in which he helped struggling businesses.
As chairman of ICI from 1982 to 1987, he transformed the company from one making losses to one making a profit of more than £1bn. As chairman of ICI from 1982 to 1987, he transformed the company from one making losses to one making a pre-tax profit of more than £1bn.
'Bold decisions'
The chemicals firm was struggling when Sir John became chairman, prompting him to embark on a significant restructuring scheme.The chemicals firm was struggling when Sir John became chairman, prompting him to embark on a significant restructuring scheme.
One of his strategies had been to focus on a limited number of businesses, by selling off some of its non-core operations. Sir John became the acceptable face of capitalism through his television programme Richard Lambert, director general, Confederation of British Industry
One of his strategies was to focus on a limited number of businesses at the firm, by selling off some of its non-core operations.
"He brought a sense of adventure and dynamism to the bureaucracy of ICI and made some bold decisions," said Richard Lambert, director general of the Confederation of British Industry.
But it was his television show, broadcast in the 1990s, that made him known by the wider public.
"He subsequently became the acceptable face of capitalism through his television programme and brought the world of business to millions in an accessible way."
Sir John was awarded the title of Industrialist of the Year for the third consecutive year in 1988.
Since then, however, ICI's outlook has changed significantly.Since then, however, ICI's outlook has changed significantly.
At the start of this year, Holland's Akzo Nobel announced the completion of its £8bn ($15.6bn) takeover of the Dulux paint maker.At the start of this year, Holland's Akzo Nobel announced the completion of its £8bn ($15.6bn) takeover of the Dulux paint maker.