Robert Gibson (businessman)
Sir Robert Gibson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Falkirk, Scotland |
| Died | January 1, 1934 (aged 70) South Yarra, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, businessman |
| Known for | Chairman of the Commonwealth Bank, president of the Associated Chambers of Manufactures of Australia |
Sir Robert Gibson (4 November 1863 – 1 January 1934) was a Scottish-born entrepreneur who became a prominent Australian businessman and led the Associated Chambers of Manufactures of Australia as its president.
Early life
Gibson entered the world in Falkirk, Scotland, as the third son of John Edward Gibson, who was engaged in metal manufacturing. He received his education at Falkirk High School before beginning work at the age of 15 with the Camelon Iron Company. In 1883, he undertook an apprenticeship at Robert Gardner and Company in Glasgow and pursued studies in art and design at the Haldane academy.
Career
Returning to Camelon Iron Company in 1887, Gibson took on the role of designer and quickly advanced to manage its London branch. After marrying Winifred Moore in 1890, he relocated to Australia, where he applied his skills as a designer and draughtsman in Melbourne for six years prior to launching the Austral Manufacturing Company in 1897.
Approximately ten years later, he founded the Lux Foundry, retaining controlling stakes in both enterprises throughout his lifetime. During World War I, Gibson played a vital role as a member of the coal board responsible for overseeing rationing of coal, gas, and electricity. Additionally, he was among seven honorary commissioners charged with administering the repatriation act and served as deputy chairman until 1920.
Gibson led the royal commission on federal economics and contributed as a founding figure of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria, demonstrating strong support for the Yallourn operations. In 1924, he joined the board of the Commonwealth Bank and was chosen chairman two years later, a position he maintained through multiple reappointments.
His directorships extended to Union Trustee Company, National Mutual Life Association, Chamber of Manufactures Insurance Company, and Robert Harper & Co., where he represented the Commonwealth government’s interests with Commonwealth Oil Refineries.
Amid economic difficulties faced by the Scullin government—exacerbated by depressed wool and wheat prices—Gibson’s firm opposition to Treasurer Ted Theodore was instrumental in facilitating acceptance of the premiers' plan. Efforts to remove him from the Commonwealth Bank board were unsuccessful.
On 6 May 1931, Gibson presented evidence before the senate opposing the Commonwealth Bank bill; his comprehensive and persuasive testimony is credited with halting its advancement. Although not advocating for government control over the bank, he remained steadfast in preventing inflation—a goal he effectively promoted.
Late life and legacy
In 1933, Gibson became gravely ill and passed away on 1 January 1934 in South Yarra. He left behind Lady Gibson, two sons, and five daughters. His distinctions included appointments as CBE (1918), KBE (1920), and GBE (1932).