Peter Bonfield facts for kids
Sir Peter Leahy Bonfield, born on June 3, 1944, is a very successful business leader. He has been in charge of many big companies that work with electronics, computers, and communication. He used to be the head of companies like ICL and BT Group. Today, he is a director for several companies around the world. He is also a respected member of many important engineering and technology groups.
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Early Life and Education
Peter Bonfield grew up in Baldock, a town in Hertfordshire, England. He was the third son of an engineer and his Welsh wife. He went to Hitchin Boys Grammar School. After school, he studied engineering at Loughborough University and earned his degree there.
A Career in Technology
Peter Bonfield started his career at an American company called Texas Instruments. He worked in their semiconductor factory in Bedford, England. There, he learned a lot about designing, making, and managing technology products.
Leading ICL
In 1984, Peter Bonfield became the chairman and managing director of International Computers Limited (ICL plc). This happened when another company, Standard Telephones and Cables, took over ICL. He stayed as the chief executive of ICL until the end of 1995. During his time, a Japanese company called Fujitsu bought most of ICL.
Time at BT Group
In 1996, he was chosen to be the CEO and Chairman of the Executive Committee for British Telecommunications plc, also known as BT. He worked there until early 2002. During his time at BT, the company's share price went up and down, like a "rollercoaster ride." This means the company's value changed a lot during those years.
Current and Past Roles
Today, Peter Bonfield is the Chairman of NXP Semiconductors, a Dutch company that makes computer chips. He also leads the council at Loughborough University, where he studied. He is a director for several other big companies, including Ericsson in Sweden and TSMC in Taiwan. He also advises many groups around the world.
In the past, he was a director at Sony Corporation in Japan. He also held important roles at companies like AstraZeneca Group and served on various advisory boards for technology and business.
Awards and Recognition
Peter Bonfield has received many awards and honors for his work.
- In 1988, he was honored as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
- In 1993, he became a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in the UK.
- In 1996, Queen Elizabeth II made him a Knight Bachelor, which means he can be called "Sir Peter."
- In 1995, he received the Mountbatten Medal for his achievements in electronics.
- He has also received many honorary degrees from universities, including the Open University.
- He was given the Order of the Lion of Finland, a special award from Finland.
- He also received the Gold Medal from The Institute of Management.
