William Fraser, 1st Baron Strathalmond

William Milligan Fraser, 1st Baron Strathalmond
Born	Template:Birth date
Died	April 1, 1970(1970-04-01) (aged 81)
Occupation	Businessman
Known for	Chairman of Anglo-Iranian Oil Company and British Petroleum

William Milligan Fraser, 1st Baron Strathalmond (3 November 1888 – 1 April 1970) was a prominent figure in the Scottish oil industry. He held the position of chairman at the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company from 1941 until 1954, serving as its fourth and final leader, and subsequently became the inaugural chairman of British Petroleum between 1954 and 1956.

Biography

Born as the second son to William Fraser, the founder of Glasgow’s Pumpherston Oil Company, Fraser began his career at the family firm in 1909. He advanced to director by 1913 and was appointed joint managing director two years later. In recognition of his efforts to enhance oil supplies during the First World War, he was honored with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1918. Fraser joined the board of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company in 1923 and rose to deputy chairman in 1928. His tenure was marked by significant expansion of oil production throughout Iran, Iraq, and Kuwait, establishing his reputation as an authority on Middle Eastern petroleum. Following John Cadman’s departure, Fraser became chairman in 1941, guiding the company through its rebranding to British Petroleum in 1954 and continuing as chairman until 1956. Additionally, he provided counsel to the British government on petroleum matters, including roles as petroleum adviser to the War Office and chairmanship of the Oil Advisory Committee.

Honours

Fraser received the CBE distinction in 1918, was knighted in 1939, and was ennobled as Baron Strathalmond of Pumpherston in Midlothian in 1955.

Marriage & Children

In 1913, Lord Strathalmond wed Mary Roberton McLintock (1892–1963), daughter of Thomas McLintock. The couple had two children:

• William Fraser, 2nd Baron Strathalmond (1916–1976)
• Hon Mary Joan Fraser (1922–2004)

Lord Strathalmond passed away in April 1970 at age 81. His son William succeeded him as baron. He is interred at Putney Vale Cemetery located in South West London.

References

• William, E. T., Nicholls, C. S (editors). The Dictionary of National Biography, 1961-1970. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1981.
• Kidd, Charles, Williamson, David (editors). Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage (1990 edition). New York: St Martin's Press, 1990