Sir James Muir Cameron Fletcher

Jim Fletcher earned a place in history for building what became New ZealandÂ’s largest industrial company.

Born in Dunedin, Fletcher joined South British Insurance Company in 1931 and the Fletcher Construction Company in 1937. He became secretary of Fletcher Holdings in 1940, managing director from 1942-1979 and chairman from 1972-1981.

Under his direction, the group expanded rapidly but he saw the need to create a company of international standing which was achieved by merging Fletcher Holdings with Challenge Corporation and Tasman Pulp & Paper in 1981 to form Fletcher Challenge.

He received the nation’s top honour when he was made a member of the Order of New Zealand in 1997.

Sir James Muir Cameron Fletcher

Inducted: 1997

Industry: Industry

DOD: 2007