Patrick Ashley Cooper
Patrick Ashley Cooper | |
|---|---|
| Born | Patrick Ashley Cooper Template:Birth date Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Died | March 22, 1961 (aged 73) At sea |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, company governor |
| Years active | 1906–1957 |
| Known for | Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company, director of the Bank of England, High Sheriff of County of London and Hertfordshire |
Major Sir Patrick Ashley Cooper (18 November 1887 – 22 March 1961) was a prominent British entrepreneur, best known for his more than twenty-year tenure as governor of the Hudson's Bay Company and his directorship at the Bank of England. He also held the positions of High Sheriff of the County of London and High Sheriff of Hertfordshire during his lifetime.
Early life and education
Born in Aberdeen, Ashley Cooper was the eldest child of Patrick Cooper and Mary Cook from Ashley, Aberdeenshire. His education included time at Fettes College, followed by legal studies at both Trinity Hall, Cambridge and the University of Aberdeen.
Military service
Ashley Cooper began his military involvement in 1906 by joining the Volunteer Corps, receiving a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st Aberdeenshire division of the Royal Field Artillery. By 1913, he had advanced to lieutenant within the 7th London Brigade.
During the First World War, he served on the Western Front with the Royal Field Artillery. Wounded in 1915, he was mentioned twice in official reports for distinguished service and earned promotion to Major. Subsequently, he undertook senior appointments including Assistant Deputy Director-General of the Trench Warfare Department and Assistant Controller for Gun Ammunition.
In the Second World War, Ashley Cooper played a significant role as part of the Supply Council and held the post of Director-General of Finance and Contracts at the Ministry of Supply from 1939 to 1942. His extensive background in corporate management and finance was instrumental in overseeing rapidly increasing Army supply budgets. He personally liaised with numerous companies to resolve challenges and offer strategic advice, facilitating decisive actions within this newly formed government department.
In recognition of his wartime efforts, he was knighted in the 1944 New Year Honours.
Business career
Following World War I, Cooper concentrated on financial restructuring and industrial reorganisation. In 1931, he was appointed to serve on the National Economy Committee.
He held the governorship (equivalent to company chairman) of the Hudson's Bay Company, North America's oldest enterprise, from 1931 until 1952. Upon assuming leadership, the company faced significant difficulties; through comprehensive reforms aimed at reducing inefficiencies and reinforcing operations, he restored its profitability and ensured consistent growth. Notably, he was the first Governor in company history to personally visit northern trading posts via traditional fur trade routes. His departure at age 65 was met with widespread regret.
Additional prominent roles included director of the Bank of England between 1932 and 1955, membership on the May Committee on National Expenditure in 1931, governorship of Guy's Hospital from 1926 to 1953, participation on the London Passenger Transport Board from 1933 to 1947, and involvement with the Rhodesia-Nyasaland Royal Commission in 1938.
He served as High Sheriff of the County of London twice—in 1944 and again in 1957—and held office as High Sheriff of Hertfordshire in 1946.
Personal life
Ashley Cooper married Kathleen Spickett from Pontypridd, Glamorgan; together they adopted the surname Ashley Cooper. The couple had one son and two daughters and resided at Hexton Manor in Hertfordshire. Their daughter Cynthia became spouse to Conservative MP Paul Bryan.
He passed away at sea in 1961 at the age of 73.