John Weston (businessman)

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John Weston is a British businessman.

Weston was employed by BAE Systems and its predecessors from when he left university until he was ousted as CEO in 2002.[1] In 2004 the Financial Times described Weston as one of a "core group" who turned British Aerospace around (a predecessor of BAE Systems), along with Evans, Richard Lapthorne and his successor Mike Turner.[2] Weston was one of the members of the British party who travelled to Bermuda to sign the Al Yamamah contract with Saudi Arabia.[3] By 2006 this had yielded over GB£40 billion to British Aerospace and BAE Systems.[4]

The Business reported that Weston was ousted when non-executive directors lead by Ronnie Hempel informed the Chairman Richard Evans that they had lost confidence in him. BAE initially announced that Weston had left "to look for fresh challenges", but later said Weston had resigned because he lacked the skills required to lead Britain's foremost defence and aerospace company.[1] The Business further suggested that Hempel was encouraged to make such a move by the Ministry of Defence's chief of defence procurement, Sir Robert Walmsley, due to the increasingly fractious relationship between BAE and the government.[1]

The Independent highlighted what it saw as "the mystery" of Weston's departure given that the company's annual report, published after he was removed, contained a "beaming picture" of him as well as a "fulsome tribute" from Evans.[5]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Watson, Ian. "Weston is blown away in shoot out at Dukes Hotel", The Business, Sunday Business Group, 2002-04-07, p. 10. Retrieved on January 25, 2007.
  2. ^ Spiegel, Peter. "The largest aerospace companies gather next week for the Farnborough air show but the event will be without its long-time unofficial host, writes Peter Spiegel", Financial Times, The Financial Times, 2004-07-17, p. 11. Retrieved on January 25, 2007.
  3. ^ Pallister, David. "The arms deal they called the dove: how Britain grasped the biggest prize", The Guardian, Guardian Newspapers, 2006-12-15. Retrieved on February 12, 2007.
  4. ^ O’Connell, Dominic. "BAE cashes in on £40bn Arab jet deal", The Sunday Times, News International, 2006-08-20. Retrieved on February 12, 2007.
  5. ^ Harrison, Michael. "BAE report gives ex-chief Weston a glowing review", The Independent, Newspaper Publishing, 2002-04-05, p. 23. Retrieved on January 25, 2007.
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