Ian Taylor (British businessman)

Ian Taylor
Born Ian Roper Taylor
1956
Nationality British
Alma mater University of Oxford
Occupation Chief Executive Officer and President of Vitol

Ian Roper Taylor (born 1956) is a British businessman and philanthropist, notable as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Vitol. He joined Vitol in 1985 after holding various positions in shipping, operations, and trading at Shell.[1] In a 2012 controversy, he was named as one of the private guests of the United Kingdom's Prime Minister, David Cameron, at a dinner in November 2011.

Ian Taylor currently serves as Chair of the Development Committee of the Royal Opera House,[2] is a founder member of The Vitruvian Group which works with Random Dance,[3] and a former Board member of Rambert. In 2015, he spoke at Dance UK’s conference The Future: New Ideas, New Inspirations discussing the importance of supporting dance education to ensure the sector’s future talent.[4][5][6]

Ian Taylor is the majority shareholder in Harris Tweed Hebrides, an award winning company and the primary producer of the historic Harris Tweed cloth. In 2005, when the industry was in a critical condition, he was asked by the former Labour Minister Brian Wilson to step in. He provided the investment and support required, enabling the historic tradition of weaving on the Isles of Harris and Lewis to continue. Today, the company has a staff of 90, as well as providing employment for 130 self-employed weavers who carry on the tradition of working from home. The company, Harris Tweed Hebrides, was named UKFT Textile Company of the Year in 2013 and Scottish Exporter of the Year for 2015 as well as numerous awards for outstanding contribution to style and fashion.

He was again the focus of media attention in 2013 after donating over half a million pounds to Better Together, the campaign for a No vote in the Scottish independence referendum.[7] As a result of this media attention, he threatened legal action for libel against The Herald,[8] and two pro-independence websites: National Collective, and Wings Over Scotland.[9][10] According to the "Sunday Times Rich List 2015," Ian Taylor is worth £175 million. [11][12]

References

  1. ↑ "Ian Taylor: Executive Profile & Biography".
  2. ↑ http://www.roh.org.uk/about/boards-and-committees
  3. ↑ http://www.randomdance.org/the_company/supported_by
  4. ↑ http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/if-a-dance-education-becomes-the-privilege-of-a-moneyed-elite-were-in-trouble-10167231.html
  5. ↑ http://www.artstreamingtv.com/event.php?id=24
  6. ↑ http://www.danceuk.org/conference/friday-10-april/
  7. ↑ "Controversial background of No campaign donor". 10 April 2013. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  8. ↑ Carrell, Severin (10 April 2013). "Yes Scotland: EuroMillions winners help bankroll independence campaign". The Guardian (London). Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  9. ↑ "On National Collective". 10 April 2013. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  10. ↑ "Closing Down Debate". 10 April 2013. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  11. ↑ "Ian Taylor's Net Worth According to the Sunday Times". Richest Lifestyle. Retrieved 30 April 2015.
  12. ↑ http://www.economist.com/news/britain/21573552-old-industry-goes-back-basics-loom-and-bust