Hugh Barton

Who was Hugh Barton?

Sir Hugh David MacEwen Barton was a former Chairman and Managing Director of Jardine, Matheson & Co. from 1953 to 1963.

After graduating from Trinity College, Cambridge University, Barton joined Jardines in 1933 as a tea taster and climbing the ranks to become Tai-pan in 1953 just at 42 years old. Barton was assigned to several key areas throughout Asia spending most of his time in Shanghai before returning to Hong Kong in 1949 when the group's assets fell under the new Communist regime. Barton served with the Irish Guards and fought in the Second World War. He retired from the military in 1944 as a Lt. Colonel and returned to work for Jardine Matheson after the war.

A persistent and flamboyant character, he was appointed Taipan of Jardines, replacing Sir John Keswick. During his tenure, he oversaw the incredible growth of the company in Hong Kong and throughout Asia after the devastating war years and continued trade with China. He also served as a director of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation from 1955 to 1959, Vice Chairman from 1960 to 1961. It's also interesting to note that he also served as the Chairman of the bank from 1962 to 1963, holding the chairmanship title of both the bank and Jardines. As taipan of Jardines, he oversaw the opening of the company headquarters in 1956 along Connaught Road,.