Sir John Buchanan

Sir John Buchanan was a successful businessman whose long and distinguished career included a number of high profile positions at some of the world’s leading companies.

After earning a doctorate in organic chemistry at the University of Auckland, he moved to the UK to undertake post-doctoral studies at Oxford. His career at BP started in 1970 and from 1996-2002 he was Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer. During this time, the company completed a transformational merger with Amoco, the largest industrial merger at the time.

In retirement, Sir John remained a prominent figure in the business world, serving on a number of boards, including being Chair of the UK Trustees of the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

In 2007, Sir John received the inaugural Augusta Award, Auckland Grammar School Old Boys’ Association’s highest award. In 2012, he was knighted in the UK for services to industry and in New Zealand received a Lifetime Contribution to Finance and Business Award as part of the 2012 New Zealand CFO Awards.