After some time working for partly or wholly owned subsidiaries, he joined the senior management of Pearson PLC (founded by his mother's ancestors) in 1977, and was managing director from 1978 to 1983, chief executive from 1978 to 1993, and chairman from 1983 to 1997.
He spent time working for subsidiaries owned by Pearson PLC (a company with ancestry tied to his mother) before becoming a senior manager in 1977, holding the roles of managing director from 1978 to 1983, chief executive from 1978 to 1993, and chairman from 1983 to 1997.