The Reuter Society Chair

Steve recalls:

The founder was Aleco Joannides, an exuberant Greek journalist and bon vivant who had a long Reuters career both in the field, from Brazil to Beirut, and as a London-based business manager.  He created the society in his own gregarious and cosmopolitan image, open to all former members of the company, of any discipline, living anywhere in the world. 

Aleco discussed his idea in advance with then-CEO Glen Renfrew, seeking his reaction discreetly.  He had to be discreet because some of his early supporters were strongly opposed to the society having any direct link with the company. One such was Sidney Weiland, a senior journalist who believed Reuters management would turn an alumni group into a corporate PR operation (Sizzlin' Sid, as he was known, had strong views on such matters).

Renfrew was very keen on the concept and accepted the need for the company to keep its distance.  He asked me, as Corporate Affairs Manager, to liaise with Aleco discreetly.  (Cue for some good lunches)  There turned out to be another unexpected and delicate dimension. When Aleco announced the foundation of the society in 1990, some senior company managers expressed serious concern that it would become a hotbed of criticism of Reuters corporate policies.  Comments like “a shadow government” and “sniping from the sidelines” were bandied about.  It was my job to make sure that the society regulations would prohibit any comments on Reuters company matters. Aleco was only too happy to confirm that it was very definitely a social club. No politics.

Renfrew for years afterwards used to send an annual personal cheque to support the society. Again discreetly. The Treasurer entered the money in the society accounts as an anonymous donation.

My own involvement was minimal until I retired in 2000, after 40 years with Reuters.  I was fully prepared to take former General Manager Mike Nelson's standing advice to retirees: don't jump into any new commitments, take time to relax and look around.  

Aleco had other ideas.  He wanted out as chairman and he wanted me to take over. "Steve", he said, over a good lunch of course, "You are my ideal successor".  He reminded me that 10 years earlier I had given my private backing, to his own launch of the society.

"All very well, Aleco," I protested, "But surely there must be a vote on the selection of the new chair, some kind of democratic process?" I asked.  "Democracy!" he roared with laughter, raising his glass.  "Yes, there will be votes, my dear, but only one candidate." 

And so it came to pass.  I was elected at the next AGM, Aleco style.

Years later I started trying to retire from the chair myself, but it has taken my health mishap, a bolt from the blue, to force the issue.  Every cloud, etc.

As for my successor, that is definitely and correctly out of my hands.  No Joannides-style king-making for me.
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