David Puttnam spent thirty years as an independent film producer. His many award winning films include The Mission, the Killing Fields, Local Hero, Chariots
of Fire, Midnight Express, Bugsy Malone, and the Memphis Belle. He retired from film production in 1998 and now focuses on his work in education and the environment. The appointments he currently holds include Chancellor of the Open University, Deputy Chairman of Channel Four, and Chairman of Futurelab. David was awarded a CBE in 1982, received a Knighthood in 1995 and was appointed to the House of Lords in 1997.