A technology entrepreneur, politician and amateur racing driver, Paul Drayson is a widely renowned British businessman and former government minister. Drayson is recognised for his business endeavours and key positions in several technology companies; he is currently Chairman and CEO or Drayson Technologies Ltd. Drayson’s vast and varied career has seen him drive the success of numerous businesses and organisations, hold a key stake in important issues and negotiations on defence and compete in the famed Le Mans Series in 2009 and 2010. Drayson’s most recent venture into technology innovation has seen him commit his efforts to his motorsports company, Drayson Racing Technology.
Drayson once described himself as a “car nut and I’m a Government minister”; his life-long interest in technology and engineering was ignited by his passion for motorsports. Drayson completed a PHD in robotics and went on to hold senior positions in many companies, including managing director at Lambourn Food Company (1986-1991), his first business, and Justin De Bank Ltd (1992-1998). Drayson’s next venture into entrepreneurship saw him co-found PowderJect Pharmaceuticals, a company which specialises in vaccines, and eventually sell the company for £500 million, after holding the position of Chief Executive until 2003.
Drayson is associated with many prominent organisations and is highly respected in the technological and political field; he became chairman of the BioIndustry Association and chaired the fundraising campaign to establish a children’s hospital at John Radcliffe Hospital. Drayson is well known for his career in politics, holding many positions of high responsibility in government. Drayson was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Minister for Defence Procurement, Government Spokesman for Defence and Minister of State for Defence Equipment and Support. During his time in government he oversaw the Defence Procurement Agency, Defence Logistics Organisation and published a report entitled The Defence Industrial Strategy.