PETER WICKENS had substantial experience as a top executive in British, American and Japanese multinationals, culminating in ten years as a board director of Nissan. Since 1995 he had pursued a 'portfolio' lifestyle. He was the first president of the Centre for Achievement in Manufacturing and Management at the University of Sunderland, where he is now honorary professor. He was Chairman of business consultants, Organisation Development International, and a non-executive director of companies in Britain, South Africa and Germany, as well as advising numerous international businesses. He lectured and consulted throughout the world. He was Honorary Professor at Kingston University Business School.