John Buchanan (oil executive)

Sir John Buchanan
Born	Template:Birth date Auckland, New Zealand
Died	July 13, 2015(2015-07-13) (aged 72)
Occupation(s)	Scientist, corporate leader
Known for	CFO of BP, chairman of Smith & Nephew, director roles at BHP, Vodafone, ARM Holdings, AstraZeneca

Sir John Gordon St Clair Buchanan (9 June 1943 – 13 July 2015) was a scientist and corporate leader originally from New Zealand.

Hailing from Auckland and raised in Papatoetoe, Buchanan completed his education at Auckland Grammar School before obtaining a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Chemistry at the University of Auckland. He also pursued advanced studies at both Oxford and Harvard Universities. His doctoral research in 1967 concentrated on transformations within organic chemistry.

Beginning his career at BP in 1970, Buchanan advanced to become the chief financial officer of the company under the leadership of John Browne, despite his scientific training. He retired from BP in 2002 in accordance with company retirement regulations. Afterward, he held an independent directorship at BHP from 2003 until his death in 2015. His board memberships also included Alliance Boots (1997–2003), deputy chairman of Vodafone (2006–2012), director at ARM Holdings (2012–2014), and director of AstraZeneca (2002–2010).

In April 2006, Buchanan assumed the role of chairman at Smith & Nephew, maintaining this position until his demise. From 2008 onward, he led the UK chapter of the International Chamber of Commerce. In response to the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, he established and chaired the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust UK, working alongside the New Zealand High Commission in London to organize fundraising initiatives.

Recognized for his contributions to industry, Buchanan received a knighthood in the 2012 New Year Honours. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer around 2011 and began reducing his professional commitments due to health concerns in late 2014. Sir John Buchanan passed away on 13 July 2015, leaving behind his wife and two children.