Thomas Sutherland (banker)
Sir Thomas Sutherland | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Died | January 1, 1922 (aged 87) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, politician |
| Known for | Founder of HSBC, director of P&O |
Sir Thomas Sutherland (16 August 1834 – 1 January 1922) was a prominent Scottish banker and politician who initially represented the Liberal before aligning with the Liberal Unionists. He is recognized as the founder of HSBC and held a directorship at P&O.
Early life
Born to Robert Sutherland and Christian Webster in Aberdeen, Sutherland pursued his education at the University of Aberdeen.
Career
Sutherland’s career commenced as a clerk within the London branch of P&O, where he rapidly advanced to oversee the company’s Asian operations based in British Hong Kong. In 1863, he took on the role of inaugural chairman of the Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock. To support expanding trade routes between Europe and China, as well as to develop commerce between China and the United States, he established HSBC in 1865 and became its first vice-chairman.
Between 1865 and 1866, he served on the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, and in 1872, he was appointed Managing Director of P&O.
In November 1884, Sutherland was elected as Member of Parliament (MP) for Greenock. Though originally a Liberal, he later joined the Liberal Unionist Party following a split over Irish Home Rule. He secured re-election in 1886 as a Liberal Unionist, lost his seat in 1892 but regained it after his opponent was disqualified through petition. He continued to represent Greenock until he retired at the general election of 1900.
Personal life
Sutherland wed Alice MacNaught in 1880, daughter of Rev. John Macnaught from Trinity Church, London. Together they had two sons and one daughter, Helen Christian Sutherland (1881–1965), known for her patronage of the arts. Their son Eric Macnaught Sutherland was killed during the Second Boer War, while their other son, Thomas Leslie Macnaught Sutherland, died in World War I. Alice died in 1920.
Death and legacy
Sutherland passed away in London in 1922. In recognition of his contributions, Sutherland Street located in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong bears his name.