Donald Brydon

Donald Brydon (born 1945) CBE is a British businessman who was Chairman of the Royal Mail, Sage Group and the Medical Research Council and Patron of The British Postal Museum & Archive.

He was previously Chairman of Smiths Group, the London Metal Exchange, Amersham plc, Taylor Nelson Sofres, ifs School of Finance and EveryChild and a past Director of Allied Domecq and Scottish Power.

Brydon went to George Watson's College, before studying at the University of Edinburgh and graduating in Mathematical Science in 1967. During this time he was chairman of the University's Conservative Association alongside his fellow Watsonian Malcolm Rifkind, who was secretary. He was also elected President of Edinburgh University Union. Brydon remained in Edinburgh to teach at the University for several years after graduation.

In 1977 Brydon began a 20-year career working at Barclays, during which time he became Chairman and Chief Executive of the company's investment arm, BZW Investment Management. From 1997 to 2002 Brydon was Chief Executive Officer at AXA Investment Managers SA. In 2004 Brydon was awarded a CBE for services to the financial industry.

As Chairman of the Royal Mail, Brydon is paid an annual salary £200,000, working two days a week. Whilst in office Brydon oversaw the controversial privatisation of the 499-year-old institution.