Adrian Cadbury facts for kids
Sir Adrian Cadbury (born April 15, 1929 – died September 3, 2015) was a famous English businessman. He led the well-known chocolate company, Cadbury and Cadbury Schweppes, for 24 years. Sir Adrian was also a British Olympic rower. He was a leader in talking about and improving how big companies are run, a topic called corporate governance. He helped create the Cadbury Report, which gave important rules for good business practices around the world.
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Early Life, School, and Sports
Sir Adrian Cadbury was born on April 15, 1929. He was part of the famous Cadbury family, known for their Quaker beliefs and for starting the huge chocolate company.
His Education
He went to school at Eton and then studied at King's College, Cambridge.
Olympic Rowing
While at Cambridge, he was a rower. He competed in the famous Boat Race in 1952. He also rowed for Great Britain in the 1952 Summer Olympics held in Helsinki, Finland. He was part of the coxless four rowing team.
His Family Life
Sir Adrian was married twice. In 1956, he married Gillian Skepper, and they had two sons and a daughter. Gillian passed away in 1992. In 1994, he married Susan Sinclair.
His Career in Business
Sir Adrian joined the Cadbury company in 1958. He became the chairman of Cadbury Ltd in 1965. He retired as chairman of Cadbury Schweppes in 1989.
Working with Big Companies
He was also a director at the Bank of England from 1970 to 1994. He also served on the board of IBM from 1975 to 1994.
Improving How Companies Are Run
Sir Adrian led a special group called the UK Committee on the Financial Aspects of Corporate Governance. This group published its important report, the "Cadbury Report and Code," in December 1992. This report suggested that leaders of a company should have clear roles so that no single person has too much power. He also worked with the OECD on corporate governance.
His Books
He wrote several books, including Ethical Managers Make Their Own Rules, The Company Chairman, and Corporate Governance and Chairmanship: A Personal View. He was also appointed High Sheriff of the West Midlands for 1994–95.
Supporting Aston University
Sir Adrian had a very strong connection with Aston University in Birmingham.
His Role at the University
He was the chancellor of Aston University from 1979 to 2004. After that, he led the University's Development Board and was one of its most generous supporters. As chancellor emeritus, he often spoke to students about how businesses should be run, business ethics, and how companies can be responsible to society. He also supported the Aston Raise and Give Society, which helps raise money for the university.
Recognitions at Aston
In 2008, during the 60th anniversary of Aston Business School, Sir Adrian received a special Beta Gamma Sigma Business Achievement Award. The MBA lecture halls at Aston Business School were named after Sir Adrian and Lady Susan Cadbury to honor their long support for the university.
Awards and Special Honors
Sir Adrian received many honors for his work.
Knighthood and City Freedom
He was made a Knight Bachelor in 1977, which is why he was called Sir Adrian Cadbury. In 1982, he was given the Freedom of the City of Birmingham. He also became a deputy lieutenant (DL) of the West Midlands in 1995.
University Degrees and Medals
Many universities gave him honorary degrees, including Aston University, the University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Bristol. The Royal Society of Arts gave him the Albert Medal in 1995. In 2001, he received an award from the International Corporate Governance Network. In 2008, he became an honorary fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Rowing and Community Roles
Sir Adrian was a steward of Henley Royal Regatta, a famous rowing event. He was also the president of the Birmingham Rowing Club.
Highest Honor
In 2015, Sir Adrian was given one of the highest honors in the UK: he was appointed a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH). This was for his great contributions to business and the community, especially in Birmingham.
His Passing
Sir Adrian Cadbury passed away on September 3, 2015, at the age of 86.
See Also
- Cadbury
- Corporate Governance
- List of Cambridge University Boat Race crews
