Quick Facts
Biography
Baron Jean-Henri was born in Paris on 25 January 1803, he was the first-born son of Baron Jean-Conrad Hottinguer, thus making him his successor. In 1818 he left Paris to develop his knowledge of the business world and to continue his education. His first destination was England, in London he worked for Lloyds and also worked at the English Stock Exchange. At the age of 23 he departed London to go to America, where he spent several years working. During this time he made very interesting contacts that would help him in future devours. He eventually comes back to France to help his father with the business as a French banker.
In 1816 Hottinger & Cie takes an interest in the insurance business. They proceed to establish the Compagnie Royale d’Assurance maritime after the creation in 1789 of the first Compagnie Royal d’assurance. Some prestigious names appear on the founding document of this intuition: Jacques Laffitte, governor of the Bank of France, Hottinguer, Benjamin Delessert and twenty directors from the “Compagnie Royale d’Assurances Maritimes”. After this was done Benjamin Delessert and Hottinger & Cie found the Caisse d’Epargne the first savings bank for small investors.
In 1833 Jean-Henri is given control of Hottinger & Cie when his father retires at the age of 63.In 1858 Jean-Henri marries Caroline Delessert, the only daughter of Baron Delessert. One of his many achievements in life was completed in 1848, when He takes control of the Delessert Bank after the death of Benjamin Delessert. His wife Caroline was the last of her Dynasty.
In 1852 Jean-Henri help to set up the Compagnie Générale des Eaux, it was at one time part of Vivendi and is currently known as VEOLIA, and the first French rail network. Subsequently In 1863 Jean-Henri participates along with other major banking families to create the Ottoman Bank in Istanbul, which then became the Australia and New Zealand bank.
Jean Henri only lived till the age of 63, he died of natural cause in 1866. he was succeed by his son Baron Rodolphe Hottinguer (1835-1920). Baron Rodolphe takes control of Hottinger & Cie after the death of his Father. He has a very interesting life full of accomplishments.
See also House of Hottinguer and Hottinger chronology.