James Wattie

Who was James Wattie?

Sir James Wattie was a notable New Zealand clerk, accountant, company manager, industrialist, philanthropist and race-horse owner. His horse Even Stevens won the 1962 Melbourne Cup.

Wattie was born in Hawarden, Northern Canterbury, New Zealand in 1902. In 1934, he founded food processing company Watties. Wattie had a reputation for his humility and friendliness towards his staff, with his constant effort to look after and understand his staff's problems. Upon his death in 1974, his company and workplace philosophies were carried on by his sons, Gordon and Raymond. Since 1992 the company has been owned by H. J. Heinz Company and is one of the world's leading food manufacturing companies.