Sir Ronald took up the chairman's role in June 1999, when the company was still known as United News & Media. Since then, the company has sold its ITV franchises and its newspaper publishing interests to focus on market research and business publishing. It also owns a 35% stake in Channel 5.
Unwin, Sir Ronald's replacement, has been a non-executive director at United since 1996. In December last year, he retired from the role of CEO of Cap Gemini Ernst & Young Group after reaching the age of 60. Unwin started his career as a chocolate taster with Cadbury Schweppes in 1963.
Earlier this month, United CEO Lord Hollick revealed that the company had a £400m war chest for an acquisition spree. The company saw group profits fall almost 50% in 2001 to £81.1m.
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