Austin Pearce
Encyclopedia
Austin Pearce, CBE
was the Chairman of British Aerospace
from 1980 until 1987. He was born on 1 September 1921 and educated at Devonport High School for Boys
, Plymouth
and Birmingham University.
In 1942 he left university with a degree in Chemical Engineering and joined the Petroleum Warfare Department working on incendiary devices at the same time as his doctorate.
He began his industrial career with the Agwi Petroleum Corporartion. When this became part of Esso
he rose rapidly, eventually becoming Managing Director in 1968. In retirement he continued to hold important posts such as the Prochancellorship
of Surrey University.
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
was the Chairman of British Aerospace
British Aerospace
British Aerospace plc was a UK aircraft, munitions and defence-systems manufacturer. Its head office was in the Warwick House in the Farnborough Aerospace Centre in Farnborough, Hampshire...
from 1980 until 1987. He was born on 1 September 1921 and educated at Devonport High School for Boys
Devonport High School for Boys
Devonport High School for Boys is a Grammar School and Type 2 Academy, for boys aged 11 to 18, in Plymouth, Devon, England. It has around 1100 pupils. Its catchment area includes southwest Devon and southeast Cornwall as well as Plymouth...
, Plymouth
Plymouth
Plymouth is a city and unitary authority area on the coast of Devon, England, about south-west of London. It is built between the mouths of the rivers Plym to the east and Tamar to the west, where they join Plymouth Sound...
and Birmingham University.
In 1942 he left university with a degree in Chemical Engineering and joined the Petroleum Warfare Department working on incendiary devices at the same time as his doctorate.
He began his industrial career with the Agwi Petroleum Corporartion. When this became part of Esso
Esso
Esso is an international trade name for ExxonMobil and its related companies. Pronounced , it is derived from the initials of the pre-1911 Standard Oil, and as such became the focus of much litigation and regulatory restriction in the United States. In 1972, it was largely replaced in the U.S. by...
he rose rapidly, eventually becoming Managing Director in 1968. In retirement he continued to hold important posts such as the Prochancellorship
Pro-Chancellor
A Pro-Chancellor is an officer of some universities in Commonwealth countries. The Pro-Chancellor acts as a deputy to the Chancellor and as practical chairman of the University Council...
of Surrey University.