ICI 'legend' Harvey-Jones dies, 83

The business world has paid tribute to former ICI chief and TV personality Sir John Harvey-Jones, who died after a long illness.

Sir John, who was 83 and lived in Hay-on-Wye, mid Wales, died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, his agent said. The renowned businessman was chairman of ICI from 1982 to 1987 but became best known for his BBC show Troubleshooter, in which he advised struggling businesses.

ICI chief executive John McAdam said: "Although I personally never worked with John Harvey-Jones, he was a legend within ICI, and held in very high esteem by everyone in the company. It's very sad news."

Director general of the CBI Richard Lambert said: "He brought a sense of adventure and dynamism to the bureaucracy of ICI and made some bold decisions. He subsequently became the acceptable face of capitalism through his television programme and brought the world of business to millions in an accessible way."

In 1984, ICI became the first British company to post more than £1 billion in full-year pre-tax profits under Sir John's chairmanship. In 1988 he received the title of Industrialist of the Year for the third year running.

Knighted for services to industry, he also became honorary vice president of the Institute of Marketing, and chairman of The Economist from 1989 to 1994. He turned to business TV, becoming a household name in the late 1990s with his Troubleshooter series.

He continued to serve in a number of posts after his retirement, including chairman of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, a member of The Advisory Council of the Prince's Youth Business Trust and as president of the MS Trust.

Chief executive of the MS Society Simon Gillespie said: "The MS Society is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sir John Harvey-Jones. He has been an excellent leader and superb contributor to the work of the MS Trust and of our joint efforts to support and improve the lives of people with MS."

Sir John became well known for his outspoken leadership style and tireless championing of British industry. He said: "It is not your job to exploit your position of power. It's easy (to do that). My experience of life is that you get the best out of people by encouraging their self belief."

He published a number of best-selling books, including Making It Happen, Getting It Together, Managing To Survive and All Together Now.