Jeremy Hanley’s career in public life and business was characterised not by noise or grandstanding, but by the increasingly unusual qualities of steadiness, judgement and discretion. Those of us fortunate enough to work with him over many years knew him as a calm and civilised presence in boardrooms that were not always either.
A former government minister, accomplished Chartered Accountant and company director, Jeremy moved seamlessly between politics, finance and corporate advisory work, bringing to each the same measured intelligence and instinctive professionalism. He possessed that rare ability to lower the temperature in difficult situations without ever diminishing the seriousness of the challenge at hand.
Jeremy was a longstanding associate of the Buchler Phillips family of companies and advisers. Most notably, he served on the board of Parkstone Capital, the successor to Langbar International, which had been one of the London stock market’s largest ever frauds and a landmark assignment for our team. Jeremy helped guide the company through a chapter where careful governance and credibility mattered enormously. He also served on the board of the media and marketing turnaround CSS Stellar, where his insight, contacts and unshowy authority were greatly valued.
In the world of restructuring, turnaround and corporate advisory work, there are many who speak confidently and comparatively few who genuinely reassure. Jeremy belonged firmly in the latter category. He was collegiate without ever becoming political, thoughtful without drifting into indecision and invariably courteous, even in disagreement. His background in government and major international businesses gave him a broad perspective, but he never wielded experience as status. Instead, he used it to bring clarity and proportion.
Throughout a distinguished commercial career that included roles in insurance, financial services, gaming and international trade, Jeremy understood that boards function best not through theatrics or ego, but through preparation, balance and the confidence to ask difficult questions quietly and effectively.
Above all, Jeremy was good company: charming, perceptive and unfailingly gracious. Many who encountered him through politics or corporate life will remember his professionalism; those who worked alongside him more closely will remember his good humour, kindness and decency just as much.
He will be greatly missed by his many friends and former colleagues.