City man at helm of exams watchdog

Nearly 2,000 candidates had their grades altered

A city businessman has been drafted in to take up the helm of the government's examinations watchdog.

Sir Anthony Greener, deputy chairman of BT and former chairman of drinks giant Diageo, has agreed to take up the post of chairman of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) on a part-time and unpaid basis.

Sir Anthony Greener takes over at a "critical time"

Sir Anthony replaces Sir William Stubbs, who was sacked from the post by Education Secretary Estelle Morris for his part in this summer's A-level grading fiasco.

The appointment comes as the QCA struggles to regain the public's confidence in the exams system, after nearly 2,000 students had their results altered following an independent inquiry into grade fixing.

Head of the inquiry Mike Tomlinson blamed the QCA for not making it clear to examiners, students and teachers what standards were expected at AS-level and A2 - the new A-level introduced in 2000.

Sir Anthony's appointment will run until 30 April 2003, the Department for Education said.

'Critical time'

Ms Morris said: "I am pleased that Sir Anthony Greener has agreed to take the helm at a critical time for the QCA."

"Sir Anthony's great experience as a leader of high-profile organisations and a manager of change will prove invaluable in his new role for the QCA."

Sir Anthony said: "It is an important task to help restore confidence in the operations of the QCA after what has been a challenging time for the authority and education system as a whole."

"My priority is to work with Ken Boston [QCA chief executive] and the board to take forward our agenda of excellence in education."

Curriculum vitae

Sir Anthony started his working life in his father's cotton factory and then in a cardboard box factory owned by Unilever.

He rose to manage brands at Unilever and Dunhill before moving over to head Guinness just after its troubled takeover of whisky maker Distillers.

Capitalising on brands such as Johnnie Walker and Gordon's Gin, he transformed the company's profitability before launching an ambitious merger plan with rival Grand Metropolitan.

He became chairman of the new company - Diageo - in 1997.

Sir Anthony is currently chairman of the Confederation of British Industry's Employment Policy Committee and is a member of the CBI's President's Committee.

He is also chairman of the University for Industry, which operates learndirect, one of the government's programmes designed to improve adult skills and "lifelong learning".

Sir Anthony has been accused of lacking interpersonal skills - but his blunt style of management has delivered a world-class UK company in the spirits business.

Teachers, students and parents will be hoping he can do the same for the exams system.

Of course, so will Ms Morris - she came under heavy criticism for the A-level fiasco and has since faced several calls for her resignation.