In 1816, John Swire founded a small import-export business in Liverpool, UK. It was his son, John Samuel Swire, that took the company overseas and changed it forever. John Samuel Swire began trading with China during the American Civil War, which allowed him to bring the venture to other parts of the region. Swire’s expansion of ships dominated the Yangtze river at a time there were few roads in China. He was well-known for his meticulousness and managed the business closely all the way from London until his death in 1898.
His son George Warren Swire eventually took control of the business. He specialised in the shipping industry wing of Swire and was also seconded by the British Government’s shipping wing during the Second World War. He stood apart from his contemporaries due to his pro-Chinese sentiments and close dealings with the government. His controversial views differed greatly from his nephew, John “Jock” Kidston Swire, who took control of the company in 1946 and forever altered the direction of the company.
Jock was in charge of Swire when the company founded Cathay Pacific, revitalised its damaged Taikoo sugar and acquired real estate and franchises in Coca-Cola. The family enterprise is now headed by the young scion Merlin Swire.
