Sir James Wattie (23 March 1902 – 8 June 1974) was a New Zealand clerk, accountant, company manager, industrialist, philanthropist and race-horse owner. Wattie was born in Hawarden, New Zealand in 1902. In 1934, he founded food processing company Wattie's. 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 which is one of the world's leading food manufacturing companies. In 1953, Wattie was awarded the

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal The Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (french: link=no, Médaille du couronnement de la Reine Élizabeth II) is a commemorative medal instituted to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953. Award This medal was awarded a ...

. In the

1963 New Year Honours The New Year Honours 1963 were appointments in many of the Commonwealth realms of Queen Elizabeth II to Orders and decorations of the Commonwealth realms, various orders and honours to reward and highlight good works by citizens of those countries ...

, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, for services to the process food industry. Wattie was made a Knight Bachelor in the

1966 Queen's Birthday Honours The Queen's Birthday Honours 1966 were appointments in many of the Commonwealth realms of Queen Elizabeth II to Orders and decorations of the Commonwealth realms, various orders and honours to reward and highlight good works by citizens of those co ...

, for services to industry and the export trade. His horse Even Stevens won the 1962 Melbourne Cup.

References

1902 births 1974 deaths New Zealand philanthropists New Zealand racehorse owners and breeders 20th-century New Zealand businesspeople New Zealand Commanders of the Order of the British Empire New Zealand Knights Bachelor Businesspeople awarded knighthoods 20th-century philanthropists {{NewZealand-business-bio-stub