Sir Peter Bonfield, Kt 1996, was born in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, in 1944. He graduated from Loughborough University of Technology in 1966 with an Honours Degree in Engineering.
    He began his career with Texas Instruments Inc., establishing a wide experience base both in semiconductors and computers in Europe, the USA and the Far East, before becoming a Divisional Director in 1974 based in the USA. He joined the Board of ICL plc in 1981, became Managing Director in 1984, and was Chairman and Chief Executive from 1985 to 1996. He also joined the Board of STC plc in 1985 and was Deputy Chief Executive, STC plc from 1987 to 1990. On 1 January 1997, Sir Peter resigned as Chairman of ICL plc but remained on the Board as Non Executive Deputy Chairman until December 2000.
    Sir Peter was Chief Executive of British Telecommunications plc from 2 January 1996 to 31 January 2002.
    He is a non-executive Director of AstraZeneca Group Plc, and Vice President of the British Quality Foundation.
    He was awarded the CBE in January 1989.