Whenever I Hear That Song

Few can have had as interesting or varied a career as Martin Broughton - a very British businessman. And just when he thought he'd retired, in 2022 Martin found himself heading a bid for Chelsea FC. A fascinating inside story in itself, it provides a topical dimension to this engaging memoir. Martin recounts his start at the very bottom of the commercial ladder and his subsequent rise to some of the most prestigious and demanding boardrooms in the country. With an acute accountant's brain and a desire to see the world, he cut his teeth working overseas for BAT. With each promotion came a new challenge - often in a new country. Wherever he went he was never just an observer but always a participant. His description of being on the frontline against one of the City's bitterest takeover battles makes for a fascinating read. In 1993 Martin was appointed CEO of BAT - in succession to the charismatic Sir Pat Sheehy - and oversaw a period of great change and controversy in the tobacco industry. When, in turn, he retired after 11 years at the helm, it was a very different and even more successful company. Always one for a challenge, many new business opportunities presented themselves including - Chairmanship of British Airways and its merger into the International Airlines Group, Presidency of the Confederation of British Industry, involvement in F1 Grand Prix motor racing, and Chairmanship of Liverpool Football Club at a time when a shrewd and steady hand was needed to find an acceptable new owner for this iconic club - this was not without a vigorous legal battle. Such was the ultimate respect of the Liverpool supporters for him that the Kop sang with gusto "There's only one Martin Broughton." Not bad for a man who is a self-confessed lifelong Chelsea supporter. All through this very readable memoir run additional themes - his love of music, hence the book's title and the chapter headings, the importance of family and finally, in partnership with his wife - Jocelyn, an abiding passion for horse racing.

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