James Hughes-Hallett, who died last month aged 70 after a long illness, was an extraordinarily able and extraordinarily humble businessman and philanthropist.
He chaired John Swire & Sons (2005-2015), the Courtauld Institute (2012-2017), Clarksons (2015-2018) and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation (2005-2019).
He was also a main board director of HSBC Holdings (2005-2014) and a governor of SOAS (2005-2010).
Hughes-Hallett was the first chairman of Swire Shipping’s UK parent company to be chosen from outside the shareholder base since the firm began in 1816.
