A. O. Lang
Archibald Orr Lang | |
|---|---|
| Born | circa 1880 |
| Died | July 10, 1957 (aged 77) |
| Occupation | Shipping executive |
| Years active | 1904–1957 |
| Known for | Head of Gibb, Livingston & Co.; chairman of Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation; deputy chairman of Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company; member of Executive and Legislative Councils of Hong Kong |
| Notable work | Chairmanship of Far Eastern Conference (1927–1938) |
Archibald Orr Lang (circa 1880 – 10 July 1957) was a prominent Scottish figure in the shipping industry and held unofficial positions within both the Executive and Legislative Councils of Hong Kong.
Career
Lang's arrival in Hong Kong took place in 1904, where he joined Gibb, Livingston & Co., eventually becoming a partner. He was also associated with Mackinnon, Mackenzie & Co. Between 1916 and 1927, he served as the head of Gibb, Livingston & Co.
He participated actively in the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, serving as chairman in 1922 and later as vice-chairman in 1927. On 24 November 1921, Lang was chosen by the Chamber to act as their representative in the Legislative Council during Sir Henry Pollock's absence. Additionally, he held a position on the Executive Council starting from 1922.
Lang held board memberships at several key enterprises, including the Union Insurance Society of Canton, Hong Kong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Company, Indo-China Steam Navigation Company, China Sugar Refining Company, Hong Kong, Canton and Macao Steamboat Company, as well as the Peak Tramways Company. In 1923, he was both director and chairman of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. His departure from Hong Kong for London occurred in April 1927, marked by a farewell attended by Governor Cecil Clementi.
In December 1927, Lang took on the role of assistant manager at Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O), succeeding A. C. Symes. Following the passing of Lord Inchcape and Lord Kilbracken, he joined P&O’s board alongside Sir Harcourt Butler.
From 1927 until 1938, Lang chaired the Far Eastern Conference, which oversaw coordination among shipping companies throughout the Far East. He stepped down from this role upon his appointment as deputy chairman of P&O in 1939; concurrently, he held the deputy chairmanship at British-India Steam Navigation Company. During the Second World War, Lang fulfilled duties as managing director and deputy chairman of P&O.
Family and death
In 1910, Lang wed Ellen Margaret Love in Hong Kong. They had two children: their daughter Shelia Macnaughton Lang was born in 1913, and their son William Macnaughton Lang arrived in 1918; both children were connected to P&O’s operations in London. His granddaughter is Beverley Lang, an English High Court judge.
Archibald Orr Lang passed away on 10 July 1957 at the age of 77.