Cyril Hawker
Sir Cyril Hawker | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 21, 1900 Epping, England |
| Died | February 22, 1991 (aged 90) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, Cricketer |
| Known for | Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank; President of Marylebone Cricket Club |
Sir (Frank) Cyril Hawker (21 July 1900 – 22 February 1991) was a distinguished English figure known for his contributions to both banking and cricket.
Born in Epping in 1900, he was the son of Frank Charles Hawker. His education took place at the City of London School between 1913 and 1919.
Finance
Hawker began his career at the Bank of England in 1920. He was promoted to Chief Accountant in 1948, where he played a pivotal role in managing the Bank's involvement in the Government's nationalisation efforts. After serving as Adviser to the Governors, he advanced to Executive Director and became a Member of the Court in 1954. He was instrumental in supporting the foundation of central banks across newly independent Commonwealth nations.
In 1962, Hawker departed from the Bank of England to assume the Chairmanship of The Standard Bank Ltd. He also led The Bank of West Africa from 1965 to 1973, Union Zaïroise de Banques between 1969 and 1974, and The Chartered Bank from 1973 to 1974. Following his orchestration of their merger in 1969, he became the inaugural chairman of the Standard Chartered Banking Group, a position he held until 1974.
His leadership extended further as Deputy Chairman of Midland and International Banks.
Cricket & Football
Hawker was a right-handed batsman who appeared in one first-class cricket match for Essex in 1937 facing Lancashire, where he accumulated 26 runs over two innings. Prior to this, he represented City of London School XI and played for clubs including Southgate, Old Citizens, the Free Foresters, and the Frogs.
In cricket governance, he served as Chairman of the Minor Counties Cricket Association before assuming the Presidency of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) during 1970–1971. His term coincided with significant debate surrounding South Africa’s planned tour of England in 1970, reflecting his close connections with South Africa through Standard Chartered. Additionally, under his leadership, the Limited Overs International format was introduced, debuting in Melbourne in 1971.
Beyond cricket, Hawker chaired the Amateur Football Association (AFA) in 1971, was Vice-President of the National Playing Fields Association from 1976 until his passing, and held the position of Honorary Vice-President of the Football Association starting in 1970.
Personal life
In 1931, Hawker married Marjorie Ann Pearce, sister to cricketer and Essex County Cricket Club President Tom Pearce. The couple had three daughters. He was honoured with a knighthood in the 1958 New Year Honours and served as High Sheriff for the County of London from 1963 to 1964. Additionally, Hawker was a Member of the Court of the Worshipful Company of Mercers and counted among his affiliations membership at London’s Athenaeum Club.