Hector Laing, Baron Laing of Dunphail
Hector Laing, Baron Laing of Dunphail, FRSA ( born May 12, 1923 in Edinburgh, † June 21, 2010 in Buckinghamshire ) was a British business manager, businessman, politician and life peer.
Life
Laing, son of Hector Laing and Margaret Norris Grant, the Loretto School in Musselburgh attended and the Jesus College, University of Cambridge. From 1942 to 1947 Laing served with the 3rd Tank Battalion of the Scots Guards ( Armoured 3rd Battalion Scots Guards ) and was discharged with the rank of Captain from the army. In 1944 he was Mentioned in Despatches for his military merits. He also received the Bronze Star.
1947 he joined the UK biscuit manufacturer McVitie & Price Ltd as director in 1963 he became Chief Executive Officer ( Chairman ). McVitie & Price merged in 1948 with the Scottish family bakery Macfarlane, Lang & Co. Ltd. and became part of the United Biscuits Group. In 1953, Laing Director (Director) of United Biscuits. His entrepreneurial skills were in the production of baked goods, especially in the introduction of automated processes for the production of baked goods. In 1964 he became Director General (Managing Director). From 1972 to 1990 he was CEO of United Biscuits plc Holding. In Laing's line bought United Biscuits numerous other food companies add: William Crawford & Son, DS Crawford, Macdonald, Meredith & Drew, Kenyon & Sons Craven and Keebler Co., the second largest manufacturer of biscuits and cookies in the United States. United Biscuits was one of the largest manufacturer of biscuits and snack Through these acquisitions and international growth of the company. Laing was a visionary businessman, company employees, as representatives of the workforce, as well as to the annual general meetings as invited shareholders. From 1977 to 1979 he was also simultaneously Chairman ( Chairman ) of the Food and Drink Industries Council.
Laing's entrepreneurial spirit caught the attention of the later British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Between Laing and Thatcher political and private friendship was born. Later Laing was 1988-1993 Treasurer of the Conservative Party.
From 1973 to 1991, Laing Director of the Bank of England. From 1984 to 1994 he was director of Exxon Corporation. From 1982 to 1990 he was Chairman ( Chairman ) of the non-profit organization Scottish Business in the Community, 1987 to 1992 then by Business in the Community. From 1985 to 1990 he was simultaneously chairman of City and Industrial Liaison Council.
In 1950, he married Marian Clare, daughter of Major -General Sir John Emilius Laurie. With her he had three sons. His hobbies he counted walking and gardening on his estate in the village of Gerard 's Cross in Buckinghamshire and in Dunphail. Laing died after a short illness.
Membership in the House of Lords
On February 8, 1991 Laing was raised to life peer. He held the title Baron Laing of Dunphail, of Dunphail in the County of Moray. In the House of Lords, he sat for the Conservative Party.
Other offices and honors
1978 Laing was elevated to Knight. He was co-chair (Joint Chairman ) he co-founded the Per Cent Club (1986-1990), Trustee and Chairman of the Trustees of Lambeth Fund ( 1983-1997 ), Director ( Governor ) of the Wycombe Abbey School ( 1981-1994 ) and President of Trident Trust ( 1992-1994).
In 1985 he was awarded an honorary doctorate ( DUniv ) of the University of Stirling. In 1986 he received a Doctor of Letters ( Hon DLitt ) from Heriot -Watt University. In 1988 he became an Honorary Fellow of Jesus College, Cambridge in 1989 and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
In 1979 he was awarded the "Businessman of the Year " Award, in 1980 the British " Free Enterprise " award.