St Edward's Rhubarb - 2018

ST EDWARD’S r h u b a r b

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investment manager stereotype. With a shy smile, Wilson would greet each of his financial advisers by name, even when their numbers ran into hundreds. He remembered the names of their partners, and even their personal interests. “People perform best when they feel respected, valued, cared for and appreciated,” Wilson said. “Certainly,” he reflected, “I performed best when people treated me that way.” Quite who encouraged Wilson to aspire beyond his first job, delivering loaves of bread, is unknown. His quiet charisma certainly helped. Playing squash aged 18 with a worker for Equity&Law led to Wilson being hired by the insurance firm as a clerk. Within three years he had become the firm’s youngest broker consultant. Promotion and a move to London led to a partnership and friendship with Sir Mark Weinberg. Wilson followed Weinberg to Hambro Life, which was bought by British-American Tobacco in 1985, changing its name to Allied Dunbar, and securing Wilson a free allowance of cigarettes. In 1991 the pair left to found a company with £25m in backing from Lord Rothschild. Wilson became the chief executive of J Rothschild Assurance which later changed its name to SJP. Five years after founding their company, Weinberg and Wilson had fulfilled their ambition of seeing their company listed on the stock market. By 2014 it had become the second-fastest company to join the FTSE-100 index. Last year, SJP topped the FT Adviser rankings, outselling its nearest rival by more than £4 billion. Wilson was “the engine of the business,” said Lord Rothschild, adding: “He was an unsung hero.” Even when battling lung cancer, he was keen to share his financial wisdom. Michael Sumner Wilson, the only son of Peter and Margaret, was born in Plymouth and

O B I T U A R I E S

John Tridgell

Mike Wilson

and taking innovative steps. As an example, he opened the first Lloyds insurance agency overseas with his office in Singapore. He loved to travel, ski and spend time with his three dogs. He passed away in London on April 20th 2016 after being diagnosed with Myelofibrosis. He is missed by many colleagues and close friends, but also by his family Elizabeth, Laura, Rupert and Hugh. WEBBER – On 21st May 2017, Patrick John Kenneth Webber (D, 1958-1962). The following obituary was published by The Royal Institute of Navigation: Paddy joined the RAF as a navigator in 1965 and flew over 2,000 hours on the Canberra. In 1969 he joined Britannia Airways at Luton as Assistant to Chief Navigator and soon found himself preparing all the necessary manuals for their newly-purchased B707-300 aircraft. Ten years later he was involved in their decision to purchase the B767-200, and he produced, edited and published the take-off performance manual; he also designed the airline’s in-house flight planning system. By 1986, he had become Britannia’s Manager of Navigation Services, covering all aspects of performance and instructing pilots converting to the B-767. He became a leading representative

for the International Air Carriers Association (IACA) at ICAO and was deeply involved in the regulation of North Atlantic route organisation, especially the extended diversion range permitted for twin-engined aircraft (ETOPS). In 1998 he moved on to become Performance Manager with Ryanair at Stansted, overseeing performance data, training pilots, approving airports and providing airfield briefs. In 2003, he and his wife set up their own company, Webber Aviation Consultants, auditing around 250 airports for Ryanair and continuing to provide expertise until retirement in 2015. Paddy joined the Royal Institute of Navigation in January 1989 and became a Fellow 10 years later. He was a member of the Anglian Branch and Civil & Military Air SIG. WILSON – On 27th February 2018, Michael Sumner Wilson (F, 1957-1962), aged 74. Beloved partner to Sophie, father to Panda, stepfather to Rory and grandfather to Emily, Bella and Alfie. The following is adapted from The Times , the School Archive and Mike’s book How to be Chief Executive of your Own Life (see page 21): Mike Wilson may have been the chief executive of a top- ranking financial advisory group, but he did not conform to the

grew up in Bournemouth and attended St Edward’s, Oxford on a navy bursary. He captained the swimming team, played 1st XV rugby and became Head of House - “Fortunately Duncan Williams and Frank Fisher never wrote me off completely!” His early sporting interest developed into a love for Chelsea FC, but he was never academic, admitting: “I simply could not see the relevance of learning what had happened in 1066.” Mike founded and later chaired, the St James’ Place Charitable Foundation, which has donated more than £55 million to nearly 800 charities. A trustee of MQ: Transforming Mental Health, he also favoured children’s charities, was long-serving Chair of the St Edward’s Foundation Board and had his own charitable trust. In 2012 he received a CBE for contributions to the insurance industry and to charity. WYNNE – ON 4th June 2017, Christopher Michael Wynne (G, 1969-1974). Son of Christopher (G, 1939-1943). Rugby XV. Canoeing.

Gold DofE. Loughborough University 1975-1979 BSc. Lancaster University 1979-

1980 PGCE. Assistant Master Bemrose School, Derby 1980- 1983. Trekking Leader Exodus Expeditions from 1983. Interests: climbing, trekking, world travel.