I attended the University of Exeter from 1978 to 1981 having studied Economics and Statistics. Exeter was not my first choice but as I walked up from Exeter St. Davids train station for my campus visit, I paused at “the Rock” and stared up at the Washington Singer Building. I knew right there and then that I wanted to attend Exeter. I could not have made a better choice as Exeter was transformational in my personal development and I could not have wished for a better university experience.
Following a 5 year engagement with Royal Dutch Shell in London, as part of their accelerated graduate recruitment program, I emigrated to the US to marry Ivy. We are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary in 2026, so she is clearly a very tolerant and forgiving person.
Having left for the US on a one way ticket, entry visa, no job and no house, I started a 22 year career with the Johnson and Johnson, the Healthcare giant. Having been told earlier in my career that I was a little shy, lacking in confidence and risk averse, I think the pendulum swung the other way for the rest of my career. Having lived and travelled all over the world, we settled in the San Francisco Bay Area and after leaving J&J, I took on two public company CFO roles in Southern California (San Diego).
I retired in 2017, moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 2018 and have never regretted stepping away from the daily pressures and stresses that can go along with senior executive roles. We split time between Phoenix and San Diego and enjoy spending time with the family and especially our grandchildren.
In addition to enjoying retirement, I have been a long time participant in the Exeter Career Mentor program and enjoy working with students and graduates as they evaluate and consider the career options they may have in front of them.
When I left Exeter, I received offers from both Financial Services organizations and Finance groups within Manufacturing / operational companies. I was always attracted to finance (not accounting !!) as it suited both my analytical approach to solving problems and an inquisitive mind. While I always thought about transitioning into a more commercial or general management role, I played to my strengths.