Sir James Balderstone (1921-2014) was chairman of BHP from 1984 to 1989. Born in Melbourne, he was educated at Scotch College and served in the navy during World War II. A grazier by profession, he became Australian general manager of the meat exporting company Thomas Borthwick and Sons in 1953. While manager of the Stanbroke Pastoral Company, in 1963 he became the foundation chairman of the Australian Meat Exporters Federal Council. In 1976 he became a director of Woodside Petroleum, and into the 1980s he served on a number of boards including those of AMP, Westpac and Chase-AMP Bank. From 1981 to 1982 he was chairman of the Commonwealth Government Working Group on Agricultural Policy, and he was President of the Victorian Institute of Public Affairs from 1981 to 1984. After serving as chairman of BHP, during which period he was also chairman of the Victorian board of directors of AMP, he became chairman of Chase-AMP Bank. He received his knighthood in 1983 for services to primary industry and commerce.
Gift of BHP Billiton 2003. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.
© Roger Dargie and Faye Dargie
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