Background
Birkin, John Derek was born on September 30, 1929 in South Elmsall, Yorkshire, England. Son of Noah and Rebecca (Stranks) Birkin.
Birkin, John Derek was born on September 30, 1929 in South Elmsall, Yorkshire, England. Son of Noah and Rebecca (Stranks) Birkin.
Student, Cranfield College, 1960; student, Administrative Staff College, Henley, England, 1965; student, Harvard University, 1969.
Managing director, Velmar Ltd., Batley, England, 1966-1967; managing director, Nairn Williamson Ltd., Kirkcaldy, Scotland, 1967-1970; chairman, managing director, Tunnel Holdings Ltd., London, 1971-1983; deputy chief executive, The RTZ Corporation, London, 1983-1985; Chief Executive Officer, deputy chairman, The RTZ Corporation, London, 1985-1991; chairman, The RTZ Corporation, London, since 1991. Board directors Merck & Company, Inc., Whitehouse Station, New York, Carlton Communications, London, The Merchants Trust PLC, London, Unilever PLC, London, Royal Opera House, London.
Major Territory Army, 1948-1966. Fellow Royal Society Arts. Member Institute Management, Athenaeum Club, Marylebone Cricket Club, Harlequins.
Married Sadie Smith, April 1, 1952. Children: Alison Jane, Michael John.