In his last interview as Lex managing director, Jon Walden talks to BusinessCar about his final week in the office and his plans for the future
BusinessCar: What are you planning to do next?
Jon Walden: I’m planning to expand my non-exec director roles. I already work with Morgan Sindall, a construction company. I’ve been with them for seven years and have been working with Randgold Resources, a gold mining firm, since October.
I’d like to do more like that, but may do some consultancy work in automotive.
BC: Will you come back to the automotive sector full time?
JW: No. But I would consider things in the car market – that’s where my experience is – if they are interesting.
If you stay in one area and don’t look outside then you can get introverted. An external perspective helps ground you.
BC: What will you miss most about Lex?
JW: I loved working for Lex, the people have been fantastic. Even in current times people are upbeat and energetic and I draw a lot of strength from that.
BC: What leaving presents did you get?
JW: They gave me a few presents. There was a massive autograph book that people had signed – it took me over an hour to read it.
I got a poster of yours truly from a campaign we’d run within the business and a plaque which read: From Lex, presented to Jon Walden, industry grandee and the personification of Lex values.
