Peter Walters
Sir Peter Walters | |
|---|---|
| Born | 11 March 1931 Birmingham, England |
| Died | 11 July 2023 (aged 92) |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Years active | 1954–2000 |
| Known for | Chairman of BP (1981–1990), Chairman of Midland Bank (1991–1994), Chairman of SmithKline Beecham (1994–2000) |
Sir Peter Ingram Walters (11 March 1931 – 11 July 2023) was a distinguished British executive who held the positions of chief executive and chairman at BP. Originating from Birmingham, England, where his father worked as a police inspector, Walters completed his education at King Edward's School, Birmingham in 1949 before obtaining a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Birmingham in 1952.
Walters began his career with British Petroleum in 1954. His roles included vice president of BP North America Inc between 1965 and 1967, followed by his appointment as regional director overseeing the Western Hemisphere, Australasia, and the Far East from 1971 to 1980. He advanced to deputy chairman of BP in 1980 and subsequently served as chairman from 1981 until his retirement in March 1990.
After concluding his tenure at BP, Walters assumed the chairmanship of Midland Bank from 1991 to 1994 and later led SmithKline Beecham between 1994 and 2000. Additionally, he held deputy chairman roles at GlaxoSmithKline, EMI (1990–1999), and HSBC (1992–2001). His leadership extended to presidencies at the General Council of British Shipping, the Society of Chemical Industry, and the Institute of Directors, as well as chairing the governing body of the London Business School. Walters also contributed to organizations such as the Police Foundation, the Institute of Business Ethics, and served as a trustee for the Institute of Economic Affairs.
Knighted in 1984, Walters was honored with various awards including the Centenal Medal from the Society of Chemical Industry, honorary fellowships at both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institution of Chemical Engineers, the Cadman Medal awarded by the Institute of Petroleum, along with honorary doctorates bestowed by Birmingham and Stirling universities. He passed away on 11 July 2023 at the age of 92.