Harry McGowan, 1st Baron McGowan


Harry Duncan McGowan, 1st Baron McGowan KBE LLD DCL, was a prominent British industrialist who served as Chairman of Imperial Chemical Industries for 20 years.

Early life and education

McGowan was the only son of Henry McGowan Esq. and his wife Agnes. He was educated at Hutchesons' Grammar School, an independent school in Glasgow and Allan Glen's School. He joined the Nobel Explosives Company, the company founded by Alfred Nobel, as an executive officer. In 1918 he became Chairman and Managing Director of Explosives Trade Ltd, a position he held until the formation of ICI.

Business career

In 1926 Nobel Industries merged with Brunner Mond, the United Alkali Company and the British Dyestuffs Corporation to form Imperial Chemical Industries. The merger, orchestrated by Alfred Mond, 1st Baron Melchett and McGowan, created one of the world's largest industrial corporations at the time. McGowan succeeded Lord Melchett as Chairman and Managing Director in 1930 and remained Chairman until 1950. McGowan was appointed a KBE in 1928 and on 24 February 1937 he was raised to the peerage as Baron McGowan, of Ardeer in the County of Ayr.
Lord McGowan married Jean, daughter of William Young, in 1903. They had two sons and two daughters. He died in July 1961, aged 87, and was succeeded in the barony by his elder son Harry.

Coat of arms