James Balderstone
Sir James Schofield Balderstone | |
|---|---|
| Born | 2 May 1921 Melbourne, Australia |
| Died | 15 October 2014 (aged 93) |
| Occupation | Corporate director |
| Known for | Chairman of BHP, AMP, Stanbroke Pastoral Company, Chase AMP Bank, Council of Scotch College, Melbourne; Deputy Chairman of Westpac; Director of ICI Australia and Woodside Petroleum |
Sir James Schofield Balderstone AC (2 May 1921 – 15 October 2014) was a distinguished Australian corporate director known for his leadership roles in major public companies.
Educated at Scotch College, Melbourne, Balderstone served in the Royal Australian Navy throughout World War II from 1940 until 1945. His naval service included time aboard HMAS Kanimbla during the Japanese midget submarine attack. Following the war, he transitioned into a career focused on agriculture and business management.
Among his most notable board appointments were:
- Chairman of BHP from 1984 to 1989, where he played a key role in resisting a takeover attempt by Robert Holmes à Court
- Chairman of AMP
- Chairman of Stanbroke Pastoral Company
- Chairman of Chase AMP Bank
- Chairman of the Council of Scotch College, Melbourne
- Deputy Chairman of Westpac
- Director of ICI Australia
- Director of Woodside Petroleum
He received a knighthood in 1983 in recognition of his contributions to primary industries and commerce. In 1992, he was honored as a Companion of the Order of Australia for his significant impact on business and commercial sectors.
Sir James had an identical twin brother, Robert Balderstone CMG MC (1921–2012), who served extensively as a councillor and president of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.
Passing away at the age of 93 on 15 October 2014, Sir James Balderstone's final years were marked by the effects of a stroke that impaired his ability to speak.
External links
- Jon Condon, "Vale Jim (Sir James) Balderstone". Beef Central