His business career began in marketing and sales with Rio Tinto Zinc from 1970 to 1974.
He spent 1976 to 1983 with the World Bank in Washington, D.C., working on industrial and financial development in East Asia.
He was also a trustee of the Overseas Development Institute and Habitat for Humanity and a member of the UK Social Investment Task Force.
He was also vice chair of the World Economic Forum's Global Agenda Council on values and a Steward of their Inclusive Growth Initiative.
Other recent roles include the Chair of the Conservation Farming Trust, and a Trustee of Devon Community Foundation.