Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited (the ‘Company’) announces that Sir Henry Keswick, on reaching his 80th birthday, will be retiring from the Board of the Company and from his position of Chairman with effect from 31st December 2018. He will be appointed Chairman Emeritus from that date.

Ben Keswick will replace Sir Henry as Executive Chairman of the Company and will continue in his role as Managing Director. He will remain resident in Hong Kong.

Incoming Chairman Ben Keswick said:

“Sir Henry, whose retirement as Chairman is announced on his 80th birthday today, has been central to Jardine Matheson for more than half a century. Deeply rooted in China, where he was born, and in Hong Kong, his understanding of Asia’s dynamic business climate and his personal friendships with its business and political leaders have been a tremendous asset to Jardines.

So too has been his exceptional entrepreneurial drive, which has seen our net assets grow from US$ 70 million to US$ 26 billion since he became Chairman in 1972.

Jardines’ position in mainland China and Hong Kong has been transformed and its presence in Southeast Asia has been greatly extended. Through this transformation Jardines has retained the strong heritage, management culture and business values which have underpinned our success since Jardines was founded in 1832. Today we have a uniquely strong platform for further expansion.

We will continue to benefit from Sir Henry’s experience, insight, and advice in his new role as Chairman Emeritus.”

Sir Henry Keswick said:

“It has been my honour to serve at the helm of one of the great long term business institutions. Ben’s succession has been progressing for a number of years and I have great confidence that he will continue to drive the business to further success.”