Sir John Parker receives Lifetime Achievement accolade At 2015 Ned Awards

Judges at the event, including Sir Roger Carr, chairman of BAE Systems, and Sir Michael Rake, chairman of BT Group, declared Sir John the overwhelming winner for the Lifetime Achievement award, sponsored by Standard Life Investments, in recognition of the breadth of portfolio he has led over a considerable period and his approach to culture.

Sir John's first job was as apprentice naval architect at Harland and Wolff and he has subsequently spent decades at the helm of British shipbuilding companies. He has been chairman or director across a number of companies including Babcock International and National Grid, and has recently been appointed as chairman-elect of Pennon, the FTSE 250 utility company.

Sir John first joined the Anglo American Board as a non-executive director in July 2009 and became chairman in August 2009. He is also the chairman of the Nomination Committee and a member of the Sustainability Committee. He is recognised as a highly experienced and independent chairman and brings a wealth of leadership experience across a range of industries in many countries, including South Africa.