Tom McKillop facts for kids
Sir Thomas Fulton Wilson McKillop, born on March 19, 1943, is a Scottish chemist. He was the chief executive officer (CEO) of a big medicine company called AstraZeneca from 1999 to 2006. After that, he became the chairman of the RBS Group, a large bank, from 2006 to 2008.
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Early Life and Education
Thomas McKillop was born in Dreghorn, a small village in Scotland. He went to school at Irvine Royal Academy. Later, he studied chemistry at the University of Glasgow. There, he earned his first degree and then a PhD, which is a very high-level degree.
Starting His Career in Chemistry
In 1969, after doing more research in Paris, he joined a company called ICI. He worked in their labs, focusing on chemicals and plastics. In 1975, he moved to ICI's medicine division. He held many different jobs in research. By 1989, he was in charge of research, development, and production for ICI around the world.
Leading Zeneca and AstraZeneca
In 1993, the medicine part of ICI became its own company called Zeneca. Thomas McKillop became the chief executive officer (CEO) of Zeneca in 1994.
Forming AstraZeneca
In April 1999, Zeneca joined with another company called Astra. Together, they formed AstraZeneca PLC. Thomas McKillop led this big merger. He became the CEO of the new company. AstraZeneca grew into one of the world's top medicine companies. He retired from AstraZeneca on January 1, 2006.
Working at RBS Bank
After leaving AstraZeneca, Thomas McKillop changed careers. In 2006, he became the chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). This was a big change from working with medicines to working in banking.
Challenges at RBS
During his time at RBS, the bank faced many challenges. It took on a lot of debt. The bank had grown very quickly by buying other banks. In 2007, RBS bought a Dutch bank called ABN Amro. This deal was very expensive and happened just before a big financial crisis.
In October 2008, the British government had to help RBS. They provided a large amount of money to support the bank. This was because RBS had taken on too much risk. The value of RBS shares fell sharply during this time.
Leaving RBS
Thomas McKillop was criticized for the bank's problems. On October 13, 2008, he announced he would retire early from his role as chairman of RBS. He later said that he did not have formal training in banking. He apologized for the difficulties the bank faced.
Family Life
Thomas McKillop married Elizabeth Kettle in 1966. They have three children together. They also have eight grandchildren.
Awards and Honors
Thomas McKillop has received many awards for his work.
- 2002: He was made a Knight by the Queen. This was for his important work in the medicine industry.
- 2002: He became a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
- 2003: He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
- 2004: He received an honorary Doctor of Sciences degree from the University of St Andrews.
- 2005: He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.
- 2006: He received an honorary doctorate from Heriot-Watt University.
- 2007: He received the Royal Medal of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
He also holds many other honorary degrees from different universities.
Other Important Roles
Thomas McKillop has held many other important positions.
- He was a director at BP (a large energy company).
- He was a director at Lloyds TSB (another bank).
- He was chairman of the British Pharma Group.
- He served as Pro-chancellor of the University of Leicester.
- He was president of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations.
- He was president of the Science Council from 2007 to 2011.
See also
Images for kids
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Royal Bank of Scotland's office in Fleet Street, London
