It is with profound sadness that Jardine Matheson announces that Sir Henry Keswick, Chairman Emeritus of Jardine Matheson, has passed away peacefully at age 86 on 5 November 2024.
Recognised as one of the most successful British business leaders of his era, Sir Henry was a visionary who was instrumental in Jardine Matheson’s transformative growth in Asia for over half a century.
He was first appointed Chairman in 1972 and held this role for much of the period through to his retirement in 2018. Over this time, Jardine Matheson’s net assets grew from US$70 million to US$26 billion, and the company transformed its position in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, while greatly extending its presence in Southeast Asia.
Executive Chairman, Ben Keswick said, “Through his exceptional leadership, vision, and entrepreneurship, Sir Henry successfully grew Jardine Matheson to a leading company in Asia.
He frequently reminded us to stay adaptable and build for the future, while also upholding the strong values that have been central to Jardines' enduring success and resilience.
For me personally, he was a great mentor. His wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support have been invaluable. Sir Henry's legacy will continue to inspire us all, and his contributions to Jardines and the broader community will be remembered with deep respect and admiration.”
We kindly ask that the family’s privacy be respected during this period of grief.
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About Sir Henry Neville Lindley Keswick
- Born in Shanghai on 29 September 1938, Sir Henry was the eldest son of Sir William Johnstone Keswick and Mary Lindley and a descendant of Dr William Jardine’s sister Jean Jardine. William Jardine was one of the original founders of Jardine, Matheson & Co.
- Sir Henry was educated at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge and received a Master of Arts degree in economics and law before being commissioned into the Scots Guards from 1955 to 1958.
- Sir Henry joined Jardine Matheson in 1961, serving as an executive in Singapore and Malaysia before returning to Hong Kong in 1965.
- In 1970 Sir Henry was appointed Senior Managing Director and in 1972, he was appointed Chairman of the Group's holding company. He stepped down in 1975 and became Chairman of Matheson & Co, the Group's UK-based management office.
- In 1989, Sir Henry was reappointed as Chairman of Jardine Matheson for the second time. He retired in December 2018 following his 80th birthday and was appointed Chairman Emeritus.
- In recognition of his services to British business interests overseas and charitable activities in the UK, Sir Henry was knighted in the 2009 Birthday Honours.
