Chapter 326 Vice Chairman of the Board
Next to the main conference room, there was a small meeting room. At this moment, more than a dozen people entered the small meeting room one after another, and the last one closed the door behind them. "Gentlemen, we need to discuss whether we agree to allow Lin Haoran, a Chinese, to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board of Jardines Matheson," Henry Keswick said seriously as he looked at the group, his gaze lingering especially on the executives from the Keswick family faction, since they primarily prioritized the family's interests.
"Mr. Henry, I think we should agree. Since he promised not to continue increasing his stake in Jardines, and as long as we unite our holdings, he poses no real threat," said one shareholder, standing up proactively. "Mr. Harold is right. Our combined holdings already exceed 26%. As long as we stay united, the initiative remains with us. Moreover, I understand that Mr. Shen Bi will also not allow Lin Haoran to take over Jardines. If Lin Haoran ever shows ambition, Huifeng Bank's 6% will not support him," added another shareholder.
"I know that," Henry Keswick said, "but having him remain inside Jardines will still impact our interests. Eventually, we must drive him out!" Over the years, Henry Keswick had become deeply dissatisfied with Niu Bik Kin's leadership, especially after the loss of Wharf Holdings. He was eager to regain control of Jardines. However, he had underestimated the difficulty of displacing Niu Bik Kin. During Niu's tenure, he had consolidated power, with most mid-to-senior managers loyal to him, leaving Henry's influence diminished.
Moreover, now, a Chinese shareholder with even more shares than Henry himself had entered Jardines, seriously threatening the Keswick family's future in the company. Thus, Henry's primary goal became clear: remove Lin Haoran.
"Mr. Henry," said one of Henry's loyal executives, "there's no rush. Let's agree for now. Lin Haoran won't stay long in Jardines."
"Oh? Why?" Henry asked, surprised.
"Henry, you should remember that Niu Bik Kin previously proposed a plan for Jardines and Land Development to cross-hold each other's shares. I was involved in this plan. Once Jardines increases its holding in Land Development to 27.8%, Land Development will also buy shares in Jardines. When this happens, everyone's holdings, including Lin Haoran's, will be diluted. Since Land Development remains under our control, after Lin Haoran's shares are diluted, we can use our combined voting power and Land Development's stake to force him out of the boardroom. He will either accept being a powerless shareholder or sell his shares. If he chooses to sell, we can then buy them and further strengthen our control."
Henry Keswick nodded thoughtfully. Indeed, agreeing for now was a strategic move. Once the cross-holding plan was complete, Lin Haoran's influence would be greatly weakened. With Jardines holding 40% of Land Development and vice versa, and with the British consortium's shares, Lin Haoran would stand no chance.
Henry's originally dark expression softened into a satisfied smile. From this perspective, Lin Haoran was no longer a threat. "Very well. Let him enjoy his moment. Once we finish the cross-holding plan, we'll remove him," Henry said breezily. "Agreed," another shareholder chimed in. "Let's head back. We shouldn't keep them waiting," Henry said, standing up.
They returned to the main conference room. Lin Haoran noticed Henry Keswick's calm face and was slightly puzzled. Clearly, they had reached a conclusion.
Lin Haoran wasn't particularly concerned about their decision, though. Even if they opposed him, he still had enough support to be elected Vice Chairman.
"Mr. Henry Keswick, have you finished your discussion?" Niu Bik Kin asked. Henry nodded and said, "We have decided."
"Then let's proceed to the vote. Those in favor, please raise your hands. Those opposed, remain seated. The secretary will count the votes," Niu Bik Kin announced.
As soon as the words fell, nearly everyone raised their hands simultaneously. Lin Haoran himself was surprised. He had applied pressure beforehand but hadn't expected unanimous agreement.
"Good, full approval. From today onward, Mr. Lin Haoran is appointed Vice Chairman of Jardines Matheson. After the meeting, the secretariat will inform the media of the leadership changes," Niu Bik Kin said, leading the applause.
Lin Haoran observed Henry Keswick, who remained seated, not clapping — unsurprising, given their obvious mutual distrust. But Lin didn't care. In business, everyone had their own agendas.
He stood up, beaming, and said, "I'm honored to have your support. I look forward to working with all of you to help Jardines grow even stronger."
Polite applause followed, though some Keswick loyalists couldn't even bother to pretend enthusiasm. Lin Haoran didn't mind. Everyone here had their ambitions — and so did he. His ambition was clear: he intended to control not just Land Development, but Jardines as well. An ambition none of them could have predicted.
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