James Wattie

Sir James Wattie CBE (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 and is one of the world's leading food manufacturing companies.

In the 1963 New Year Honours, Wattie was appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). He was knighted in the 1966 Queen's Birthday Honours. His horse Even Stevens won the 1962 Melbourne Cup.

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