Book of condolences

This page recognises the passing of Sir Henry Keswick on 5 November 2024.  

Sir Henry was born in Shanghai on 29 September 1938 and was the eldest son of Sir William Johnstone Keswick and Mary Lindley.  

Sir Henry joined Jardine Matheson in 1961 and was first appointed Chairman in 1972 and held this role for much of the period through to his retirement in 2018. He continued to provide invaluable advice and counsel as Chairman Emeritus. 

He was recognised as one of the most successful British business leaders of his era and was a visionary who instrumented Jardine Matheson’s growth in Asia for half a century. Sir Henry was also knighted in the 2009 Birthday Honours in recognition of his services to British business interests and charitable activities in the UK.  

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.

Read the full statement here

You are welcome to share messages of sympathy for the family of Sir Henry Keswick.  

Please include your messages in the form below or email [email protected]. These messages will be shared with Sir Henry’s family and selectively published on this page.   

"I am deeply saddened to hear of Sir Henry's passing.
Since joining the Jardines family in 2000 and growing through the JETS journey, I have always felt privileged to work at Jardines. I was fortunate to meet Sir Henry in Lombard Street during my early career days, and it was truly inspiring to have a conversation with the Group Chairman. Later, as an EA on the 48th floor, I had the opportunity to work more closely with Sir Henry and learn from his leadership.
Sir Henry was visionary and passionate about the Jardine business. Most importantly, he focused on the people - the staff, the customers, and the community network. He was a well-respected leader who led by example, building a successful business with a ""people-focused"" culture.
Thank you, Sir Henry, for creating the Jardines environment for us. As an employee, I have benefited greatly and carry forward all the valuable lessons, even as we work in other organizations outside Jardines."

Vivien Lau, Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre

"I was saddened to learn of Henry’s passing and offer my sincere condolences to his family.

My interactions with Henry arose firstly when assisting Jardines in offshoring the ownership of the group and subsequently when I became Group Finance Director.
Henry was on top of the businesses and made sure he was fully briefed about their performance. I found Henry to be extremely forthright and decisive and someone who rarely ever changes his view about others. He had little time for those who stood in his way and through his astuteness and determination Jardines eventually flourished under his leadership. You knew where you stood with Henry and am grateful for his support while I was with Jardines and for the offers of help once I had decided to return to England in 1997."

Christopher Cowan, Jardine Matheson, United Kingdom

"Sir Henry was a true visionary who saw the vast potential of Asia’s retail landscape. He understood the importance of building with foresight and holding firm to values that stand the test of time. Had the honor of dining with him twice with my dad John Gokongwei, Jr .A gentleman through and through, Sir Henry's profound understanding of business was matched only by his charm and graciousness.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Keswick family, and to all of those within the Jardine and DFI communities. Thank you Sir Henry."

Robina Gokongweii-Pe, Robinskns Retail Holdings Inc., Philippines

"It was Sir Henry’s vision and trust in the Wu family which brought Maxim’s and Jardine together in 1972, forming Maxim’s Caterers Ltd., our 50-50 JV Company. He was particularly fond of our chicken mayonnaise sandwich and, in later years, our mooncakes. Every time he saw me he was always excited to hear how many boxes we would sell that year.

Sir Henry will be sadly missed by all of us at Maxim’s and Hongkong Caterers." 

Michael Wu, Maxim’s Group, Hong Kong

"Dear Mr. Ben Keswick, Mr. Adam Keswick, the entire Keswick Family and Jardine Matheson Board of Directors and Management,

It is with heartfelt sorrow that we learned of the passing of Sir Henry Keswick, Chairman Emeritus of Jardine Matheson, on November 5, 2024. On behalf of the Board of Directors and all employees of THACO, we extend our deepest condolences to the Keswick family, friends, and the entire Jardine Matheson team during this time of profound loss.

Sir Henry Keswick was a visionary and entrepreneurial leader whose remarkable leadership and dedication helped shape Jardine Matheson into one of the most respected companies in Asia. He exemplified commitment, resilience, and a deep understanding of the dynamic markets across Asia, building partnerships and fostering growth and success that will be remembered and celebrated for generations.

Sir Henry's legacy will live on through the values he instilled in Jardine Matheson and the profound impact he had on his colleagues and the communities he touched. His wisdom, integrity, and compassion have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

During this difficult time, we share in Mr Ben Keswick, Mr Adam Keswick and the entire Keswick Family’s sorrow and wish you strength and peace in the days ahead. May Sir Henry’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire and guide us all.

Yours sincerely!"

Ba Duong Tran, THACO, Vietnam

"My wife and I send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Keswick family, following the passing of Sir Henry.
In addition to being our chairman, he was also a very kind senior figure for all of the trainees to look up to and yet he would always surprise with his sense of humour. I remember the first time I got to meet him and after proudly introducing myself as a PPE graduate from Oxford in a naive manner, he said to me: 'This is the quality we need to sell more used cars in China!'
We will deeply miss him and Tessa." 

Elton Chan, Jardine Matheson, Hong Kong

"The Gammon family are deeply saddened to hear of Sir Henry’s passing. The company came under Jardines umbrella during Sir Henry’s tenure in Asia. His eye for potential meant that he was able to witness the seeds he sowed in Gammon grow from the nascent years into the 66 year old that it now is. His presence and support have always been felt throughout my time with Jardines - be it an anecdote recounted at a meeting or over dinner or the knowing support for our work here in Asia. 
My condolences to Adam, Ben and the Keswick family. May Sir Henry rest in eternal peace." 

Kevin O’Brien, Gammon Construction, Hong Kong

"Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Henry Keswick. His contributions to Jardine Matheson and the broader business communities in many parts of the world have left an indelible mark, and many of us working in Jardines have greatly benefited from his legacy.

I fondly remember the Senior Manager Meeting lunch soon after I joined the group, where I had the honor of sitting next to him. Our conversation was about aspirations for the Zung Fu Hong Kong business, which Jardine acquired under his leadership and I was responsible. I distinctly remember he asked me to improve profitability quickly, and should try my best to stay in Jardine and contribute. It was a testament to his genuine interest in the growth and success of Jardine's businesses, and people's growth and development. His wisdom and vision will be greatly missed.

My condolences to the family, and to all whose lives he touched."

Aaron Lee, Jardine Restaurant Group, Hong Kong

"We are deeply saddened to hear that Sir Henry passed away and I am writing to express on behalf Mandarin Oriental and myself our sincere condolences. 
Sir Henry was deeply respected given how much I heard about him and his leadership in my short time with Jardines, and I know he will be greatly missed, but I am sure that his legacy, and his wise counsel will be a source of comfort to his personal and wider Jardines family. Sir Henry’s business acumen and leadership of Jardines through tumultuous times, have built an incredible foundation for us to build upon as we grow the firm for future generations to come.
Our thoughts and prayers at Mandarin Oriental are with his family at this time. We hope that given time, everyone will be able to reflect upon many beautiful memories and recollections. 
With my sympathy and kindest regards from the Mandarin Oriental Family." 

Laurent Kleitman, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

"Dear Family and Relatives of Sir Henry Keswick,

I am Minh-Quang LE NGUYEN, recently appointed CEO of REE Corporation Vietnam where Jardines C&C is taking the major share.
Despite my short period with Jardines, I have learned about this group for long thanks to the friendship with Mr Alain CANY. The leadership, vision, and entrepreneurship of Sir Henry was indeed spread through the Jardines's members with whom I have had the opportunity to work with.
I will remember and exercise as much as possible Sir Henry reminding ""stay adaptable and build for the future, while also upholding the strong values that have been central to Jardines' enduring success and resilience"".
I wish Sir Henry peaceful rest and my thoughts will be with his Family and Relatives."

 Minh-Quang LE NGUYEN, REE Corporation, Vietnam

"Sir Henry was a force of nature and he inspired all of us to raise the bar and do much much better. His leadership of Jardines through tumultuous times is well documented and likewise his incredible business success.
He had a huge interest in our hotels as well as a keen eye for detail and the highest standards of service excellence -almost from another generation.
His kindness was also exemplary, his love for Lady Tessa and his vision is handing the leadership of the firm on to Ben and Adam.
I will never forget, and often quote his words, when I met him at Lombard Street in 2007: 'China is the future.'"

Amanda Hyndman, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

"On behalf of the Bermuda team, I send our sincere condolences to Ben and Adam and the rest of the Keswick family on the passing of Sir Henry. We fondly remember his annual visits to Bermuda for the group AGM's which he enjoyed immensely. He has left behind an amazing and enduring legacy. " 

Philip Barnes, Jardine Matheson International Services Limited, Bermuda

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Henry. He was not only an extraordinary leader but also an inspiring individual whose legacy will continue to guide and influence many. His vision, strength and unwavering commitment to develop MOHG have left an indelible mark on all of us. My thoughts are with the family, friends and all those who were touched by his leadership. May he rest in peace."

Luca Finardi, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Italy
 

"Henry's aura had a power that I will always remember and his command at the helm of Jardines was most impressive. I was always touched that he would have a chat with me whether it was how my little business was going or sending regards to my father. James and I were so glad we had the opportunity to have lunch at Oare with him last Autumn - he was interested to hear about Hong Kong, although was clearly missing the company of his beloved Tessa. Henry you can now rest together. My love to the family, Georgie."

Georgina Riley, Hong Kong

"On behalf of IKEA, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Keswick family in the passing of Sir Henry. His vision, leadership, and profound influence have left a lasting impact on so many. We join you in honoring his remarkable legacy and the many lives he touched with his wisdom and dedication.

Our thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow, and we wish you comfort and peace in the days ahead."

Martin Lindstrom, DFI IKEA, Taiwan

"Sir Henry's entrepreneurial, steadfast, humorous, and kind spirit left a lasting impact on his colleagues and friends in Chongqing. His legacy of leadership and compassion will continue to inspire and guide us. He will be greatly missed."

Helen Zhong, Jardine Matheson (China) Ltd., China

"With a heavy heart and sadness. I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Sir Henry. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family."

Maureen Ting, Jardine Matheson, Hong Kong

"It is the sail that sets the direction and not the wind… you’ve been that strong sail amidst strong winds!"

Wilfrid Foo, Jardine Cycle & Carriage, Singapore