My friend and colleague Richard Sykes, who has died aged 73, always had his eye on the future. Described by observers as the UK’s first chief information officer (CIO), Sykes had a vision for how the implementation of technology could transform business.

Sykes joined the chemicals manufacturing business ICI in 1973, holding a number of leadership roles before being appointed group vice-president, IT, and CIO in 1993. While working at ICI, Richard met Penny Mason, whom he married in 1998.