Dr. James Hay

James "Jim" Hay (born 7 June 1950) is a Scottish born entrepreneur. He is the Chairman of Dubai-based JMH Group – a private family business operating in the construction and high end luxury goods markets.

According to The Sunday Times Rich List in 2019, he is worth £325 million.

Education

Hay studied at Strathclyde University, Glasgow, Scotland gaining a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Applied Chemistry. In 2013 he was welcomed to the ‘Strathclyde Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneur’s’ for his work with the JMH Group/Fosroc.

Career

BP

In 1975 Hay joined BP as an engineer and went on to spend 27 years there. He went on to become a senior executive at BP.

JMH Group

In 2002 Hay founded the JMH Group, a private business which is today reported as having turnover in excess of $600m. He is Chairman of the JMH Group which includes Fosroc as well as luxury goods brands Ray Ward, Bernard Wetherill (Savile Row men's outfitters) and Fitriani (women's fashion design and retailer).

Fosroc

Hay acquired Fosroc which provides Constructive Solutions for a wide variety of construction project.

Horse racing

In 2006 Hay purchased Uplands, The Lambourn Yard from John and Lavinia Taylor. In 2008 the Hay family were reported to have topped the list of buyers at South Africa’s yearling sales.

In 2011, they purchased a share in Irish Derby and Champion Stakes winner Cape Blanco and 4 time Group 1 winner Fame and Glory. Fame and Glory went on to win the 2011 Ascot Gold Cup, on a day when the Hays were invited to join the Queen's Royal procession in open-topped carriages from Windsor Castle.

Birch Grove

In 2011, Hay and his wife Fitri purchased Birch Grove, the former home of Harold Macmillan in West Sussex.

The estate also includes a private golf course.