Sir Maurice Hodgson 1919-2014

It is with sadness that the College has learned of the death of Sir Maurice Hodgson (1938), an Honorary Fellow and former president of the Merton Society.

Sir Maurice spent 40 years at ICI, becoming its first strategic planner in 1965, and chairman in 1978. Under him, the company became a truly global leader; his decision to move out of the comfort zone of ICI's 'imperial' past led to the development of major new opportunities. In 1982 he was appointed chairman and chief executive of British Home Stores; He held both positions until 1985, remaining as chairman until 1987.

He was knighted in 1979, and was awarded the George E Davis Medal by the Institution of Chemical Engineers in 1982.