Michael Edwardes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
Michael Edwardes
|
|
|---|---|
| Born |
Michael Owen Edwardes
11 October 1930 |
| Died | 15 September 2019 (aged 88) |
| Nationality | South African, British |
| Education | Rhodes University |
| Employer | British Leyland |
| Title | Chairman |
| Term | 1977–1982 |
| Children | 3 |
Sir Michael Owen Edwardes (born October 11, 1930 – died September 15, 2019) was an important business leader from both Britain and South Africa. He was in charge of many big companies, including the car maker British Leyland. He was known for helping companies that were having a tough time.
Contents
Early Life and School
Michael Edwardes was born in Port Elizabeth, a city in South Africa. He finished high school at St. Andrew's College in 1947. After that, he went on to study at Rhodes University.
A Career in Business Leadership
Michael Edwardes started his career in 1951. He joined a company called Chloride, which made batteries. He began as a trainee, learning how the business worked. By 1966, he was the general manager of one of Chloride's battery factories in the UK. He became the chief executive of the entire Chloride company in 1971 and stayed in that top job until 1977.
Leading British Leyland
In 1977, Michael Edwardes was asked to take on a very big challenge. He became the chief executive of British Leyland, a huge car company in the UK that was struggling. Within two weeks, he also became the chairman, which meant he was the main person in charge. He worked hard to fix the company. In 1979, he was given the title of "Sir" by the Queen for his important work.
During his time at British Leyland, he sometimes spoke very directly about what the country needed. He once said that if leaders didn't understand how to use Britain's North Sea oil to help industries, it would be better to leave the oil in the ground! He left British Leyland in 1982.
His Special Car
When Sir Michael left British Leyland, he received a special gift: a British racing green Jaguar XJS car. This was a very fancy sports car. He later took this car with him to South Africa. He even used it to go to important business meetings there in 1988.
Other Important Roles
After British Leyland, Sir Michael continued to lead other companies. In 1984, he became the chairman of a computer company called ICL. He also led Dunlop Holdings, a company known for making tires. He even returned to Chloride for a short time as chairman in 1986. From 1984 to 1993, he was the chief executive of Minorco, a mining company.
Sir Michael wrote a book called Back from the Brink in 1983. In this book, he shared his experiences and challenges while working at British Leyland.
Family Life
In 1958, Michael Edwardes married Mary Margaret Finlay. She was a psychotherapist and also worked to fight against apartheid in South Africa. They had three daughters together. They later divorced in 1984.
His Book
- Back from the Brink, HarperCollins 1983, ISBN: 978-0-00217-098-7
