SIR JOHN BANHAM Sir John Banham: Background Sir John Banham is a quiet winner and a professional leader. After working at the Foreign Office, he held senior positions at J. Walter Thompson and Reed International before becoming the youngest ever UK director of the consultants McKinsey and Company. He was the first Controller of the Audit Commission and Director General of the Confederation of British Industry. Since then he has held directorships or been Chairman of some of the UK’s best known and most respected companies, including National Power, National Westminster Bank, Tarmac plc, Kingfisher plc, Geest plc and Whitbread plc. In the unquoted sector, he was the founding Chairman of Westcountry Television. Common sense, modesty and recognising the achievements of others are his hallmarks. His special interest is in the importance of businesses working with their community.