Roger Carr (businessman)
Sir Roger Martyn Carr | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 22, 1946 Nottingham, England |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Known for | Chairman of BAE Systems (2014–2023), Chairman of Cadbury plc, President of the Confederation of British Industry |
Sir Roger Martyn Carr (born 22 December 1946) is a prominent British executive who held the position of chairman at BAE Systems until May 2023.
Early life and education
Carr was born in Nottingham to a father involved in the automobile sales industry and a mother who taught ballet. He attended Nottingham High School before beginning his career as a computer programmer at Boots. Subsequently, he obtained a BA in Business Studies from Trent Polytechnic. Early in his career, he joined Honeywell, where he was responsible for managing mainframe system installations for leading UK corporations.
Career
Throughout his professional journey, Carr has served on the boards of eight different companies, including notable names such as BAE Systems, Centrica plc, Mitchells & Butlers, Cadbury plc, Chubb Locks, Thames Water, and Williams Holdings.
His tenure on corporate boards commenced in 1994 when he assumed the role of CEO at Williams Holdings. After the company's split in 2000 into Chubb and Kidde, Carr took on the chairmanship of Chubb. Between 1998 and 2000, he also chaired Thames Water. In 2003, Carr was appointed chairman of Mitchells & Butlers, overseeing a portfolio exceeding 2,000 pubs and restaurants, a role he fulfilled until 2008. Additionally, he became chairman of Centrica in 2004.
Carr acted as senior advisor to private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) but resigned from this position in 2008 amid KKR's takeover attempt of Mitchells & Butlers. That same year, he was named chairman of Cadbury plc, the UK's leading confectionery company, before stepping down in February 2010 following its acquisition by Kraft Foods.
Recognized for his contributions to business, Carr was knighted in the 2011 New Year Honours. He also served as President of the Confederation of British Industry from June 2011 until June 2013.
In June 2013, it was announced that Carr would join BAE Systems as a non-executive director and chairman designate starting October, succeeding Dick Olver as chairman in early 2014. He remained in this capacity until May 2023.
In March 2015, Carr was appointed vice-chairman of the BBC Trust, undertaking a four-year term on the BBC’s governing board.
Outside his corporate roles, Carr chairs the English National Ballet, holds the position of Vice President at the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, serves as a Trustee of Bletchley Park, and is a Visiting Fellow at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School.
Personal life
Carr is married with one daughter. He maintains residences in both Kensington, West London and the Cotswolds. As reported in February 2023, his total annual income surpassed £1 million.