| Jim Kennedy | |
| Birth Date: | 8 April 1934 |
| Death Place: | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Occupation: | Businessman |
| Known For: | Work in the Australian business and tourism sectors |
James Joseph Kennedy (8 April 1934 – 17 September 2021) was an Australian businessman and chartered accountant who was best known for his extensive work in the Australian business and tourism sectors.[1] [2]
Throughout his career, Kennedy served on numerous company boards, including that of Qantas, the Commonwealth Bank, Suncorp, Santos Limited, Pacific Dunlop and GWA Group.[3] [4] He was also the longest-serving director of the Australian Stock Exchange.[2]
Kennedy also conducted several government inquiries including the one that prompted the closure of Boggo Road Gaol.[2] After serving as a member of the Royal Commission of Enquiry into the Department of Post and Telegraph in 1973, Kennedy was appointed as the foundation chairman of the Australian Postal Commission in 1975.[4] He is also credited with helping establish the Queensland Investment Corporation.[2]
Throughout his lifetime, he owned several island resorts, including on Daydream Island, South Molle Island and Tangalooma.[4]
Kennedy died on 16 September 2021, at the age of 87.[5]
He was married with five children.[4]
Kennedy was a life member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia.[2]
In the 1982 Queen's Birthday Honours, Kennedy was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of his service to the community.[6]
He was subsequently made an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 1995 Australia Day Honours for his service to the business and tourism sectors.[7]
The Queensland University of Technology awarded Kennedy an honorary doctorate in 1995.[8]
In 2001, Kennedy received the Centenary Medal in recognition of his service to finance and business.[9]
Kennedy was named as a Queensland Great in 2006 and was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame in 2009.[10] [4]