#59: The life of John Hillbery: from the ashes of war-time London, to the Bank of America, to the wisdom of eldership

John Hillbery describes himself as an outcome of Nature and of almost 80 years of experience. His great ambition was and continues to be to understand and to fully embrace life and living. He has no formal education, and despite this, has managed to lead a life which is rich in experience. Started work at 14 in a shipping office. Discovered market research at 18 and worked for first research company in UK. Went to sea at 19 with a Swedish freighter. At 20 became stockbroker’s clerk. Spent 5 years working in all aspects of trading and stock broking. Entered the world of print media by joining The Daily Telegraph, London in 1966, followed by The Times of London and later Financial Times (FT), London (1969 -1975). He travelled the globe with FT. Was headhunted to become Group Communications Director, Bank Of America in 1975 and joined the Bank for Commerce and Credit or BCCI in1979 where he served as advisor till 1989. He is imbued with the spirit of giving and is a visionary. He is deeply troubled by what he sees happening in our world, and continues to live with hope for a better tomorrow.