THE man responsible for "keeping the kettles boiling during England's World Cup matches" visited his former school in Reigate to meet current students.
Sir Peter Gershon, chairman of The National Grid and Tate and Lyle, visited Reigate Grammar School on Friday to talk to sixth form pupils about the challenges of working in global industries.
Sir Peter said his career had been an unexpected journey
He said: "I didn't have a career plan at all but benefited from the guidance of my school teachers and careers masters. I was the first in my family to attend university and I look back with thanks for the teachers who supported my path to Cambridge University and into my first job in computers."
Sir Peter outlined four main changes since he left school. The first change was the rise of information technology. He said: "The first computer I programmed was the size of a room and had less computing power than the iPhones in our pockets today."
Climate change, the rise of China as an economic powerhouse and the change in women's role in society were also highlighted as major changes over the past 40 years.
Sir Peter Gershon attended Reigate Grammar School from 1958 to 1966.
