Sir (Arthur) Douglas Myers CBE

1 Nov

Douglas Myers was probably New Zealand's most spectacular businessman of the 20th century, turning Lion Breweries into the largest transtasman brewer and a world-class company.

Born to money, Myers turned his head start in life to an unassailable lead, becoming the richest and most successful business leader following his takeover of Lion in 1981.

Under his direction, Lion merged with L D Nathan & Company in 1988 and expanded heavily into Australia. He sold his shareholding to Japanese brewer Kirin in 1998 and stepped down as chairman in 2001.

A passionate proponent of free-market reform, he chaired the New Zealand Business Roundtable from 1990-97.