In March, The English-Speaking Union welcomed as its 2003 Thatcher Lecturer Sir Martin Sorrell, Chief Executive of WPP Group plc. Sir Martin drew on his extensive background in advertising and marketing to expound on the theme Language, Trade & Trust. Building on the premise that “in a world characterized by fundamental values widely shared, each one of us is empowered to reach our potential for growth and prosperity,” he went on to say that the ESU’s goal of creating global understanding through English is one shared by his own business – which is arguably the world’s largest communications services company. Sir Martin concluded that, while the product we sell might be different, both the non-profit and commercial worlds share the desire to reach as many consumers as possible. Our common mission is to do so effectively and honestly, in clear and precise language. Sir Martin, known for his frank and honest assessments in his interviews with the media, made a plea for clearer use of language in business.

The event at the Plaza Hotel drew over 200 members and supporters of The English-Speaking Union of the United States. As a token of appreciation, The English-Speaking Union presented Sir Martin with the letter that Lady Thatcher had sent applauding the choice of Sir Martin to deliver the lecture that bears her name. In addition, in recognition of the place that his alma mater Haberdashers Aske and his studies abroad had had on his life, The English-Speaking Union offered a need-based Martin Sorrell Travel Grant to enable a teenager to have the an opportunity to be an exchange student in its Secondary School Exchange.

Sir Martin Sorrell
March 24, 2003
The Plaza Hotel
New York City

Speech: Adobe® Acrobat® file

Biography

Event Highlights

Dinner Chairmen for the 2003 MTLS

WPP

Peter A. Schweitzer
President and CEO
J. Walter Thompson Company

Michael J. Dolan
Chairman and CEO
Young & Rubicam Inc.

***

Peter R. Dolan
Chairman and CEO
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

John A Luke, Jr.
Chairman and CEO
MeadWestvaco Corporation

T.J. Maloney
President
Lincolnshire Management, Inc

William R. Miller OBE
Chairman
The Miller Family Foundation

Youssef Nasr
President and CEO
HSBC Bank USA

Mrs.Edmond J. Safra

Honorary Co-Chairmen

H.E. Sir Jeremy Greenstock, GCMG

H.M. Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the United Nations

Sir Thomas Harris, KBE, CMG

H.M. Consul-General of the United Kingdom to New York

Tony Brenton
Charge d’Affaires of the British Embassy