M. A. R. Herries
Sir Michael Herries | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1923-02-28 Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland |
| Died | 1995-05-06 |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Years active | 1949–1992 |
| Known for | Chairman and managing director of Jardine Matheson; Chairman of The Royal Bank of Scotland |
| Notable work | Leadership during Hong Kong political disturbances (1966–1967); transformation of Jardine Matheson into a diversified conglomerate |
Sir Michael Alexander Robert Young-Herries OBE MC (28 February 1923 – 6 May 1995) served as chairman and managing director of Jardine Matheson & Co between 1963 and 1970, and later held the position of Chairman at The Royal Bank of Scotland from 1978 until 1991.
Hailing from Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, Herries received his education at Eton College followed by Trinity College, Cambridge. His academic pursuits were interrupted by World War II, during which he served with the King's Own Scottish Borderers, achieving the rank of Captain and being awarded the Military Cross. He returned to complete his studies in 1947.
In 1949, Herries embarked on his career with Jardine Matheson as a junior accountant, relocating to Hong Kong. His ascent was swift: within a decade, he rose to general manager and then associate director. By 1962, he was appointed Deputy Managing Director under chairman Hugh Barton. When Barton stepped down in 1963, Herries succeeded him as chairman and managing director, commonly referred to as 'Tai-pan'.
During his tenure as Tai-pan, Herries guided Jardines through a significant transformation from a conventional trading company into a diversified global conglomerate. His leadership during the political disturbances in Hong Kong from 1966 to 1967 was notable, culminating in a knighthood awarded in 1968. Herries retired from Jardine Matheson in 1970, leaving behind a respected legacy throughout Hong Kong and the wider Far East region.
After departing Jardines, Herries joined The Royal Bank of Scotland as vice-chairman in 1974, progressing to chairman by 1976 and maintaining that role until 1992. Additionally, he served on the boards of London Tin Corporation, Scottish Widows Fund & Life Assurance Society, Lloyds & Scottish, and Scottish Mortgage & Trust plc.
In recognition of his contributions, Herries was granted an Honorary Doctorate by Heriot-Watt University in 1984.
Family
Sir Michael was married to Elizabeth; together they had two sons and one daughter. He passed away on 6 May 1995.