Jim Thompson founded the company from a tiny cubicle in Yokohama, Japan, in 1965. The company has now grown into one of the industry’s corporate giants with a turnover of more than US$800m and operations in 265 locations in 60 countries.

Its stable of brands includes Crown World Mobility, Crown Relocations, Crown Fine Art, Crown Records Management, Crown Logistics and Crown Wine Cellars.

Jim marked the anniversary by presenting Mayor of Yokohama Fumiko Hayashi with special tributes to celebrate the founding of his business in the Japanese city. These included a specially-designed Happi coat that incorporates a ginkgo leaf design, a symbol of longevity in Japan. He also presented an exclusive art work painted by seven-year-old Barbora Mrvisova of the Slovak Republic for the Kids Earth Fund, a charity that raises money to help children who suffer from the result of war, poverty and environmental contamination. The money donated for this artwork will go to a school in Cambodia that supports children with HIV.

“I have always had a special feeling about Japan and it is a country close to my heart,” said Jim Thompson. “So it was an honour to meet Mayor Hayashi, to celebrate our anniversary together and to say thank you to the city where it all began.”

Jim said that it was very special to see the company grow into an international business from small beginnings.  “It’s really a huge anniversary that I never thought I’d see and I’m very proud of all the people that helped us to get to this point,” he said. “We will be celebrating the anniversary at all of our offices right across the globe.”

Mayor Hayashi, who coincidentally began her own business career in 1965, is the first female mayor of Yokohama, elected in 2009, and is regarded as one of the most influential women in Japan. “Mr Thompson, you and others in your company support in diverse ways those who are active beyond national borders, making various contributions to society,” she said. “In Yokohama, there are many young people and companies who desire to step out and become active abroad, as your company did. The city encourages and advises them on studying abroad, starting a business, and business management. I hope your company will continue to grow and prosper.” 

Crown Worldwide opened its first office in the UK in 1989 and now has bases across the country including in Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, Fareham, Jersey, Larkfield, Leeds, Livingston, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Peterborough, Swindon and Tyneside.

Each of the company’s offices across the world will celebrate in their own way, including taking part in a ‘Golden Relay’ of events to raise money for charity.

 

Photos:  From top: A ‘human 50' created by Crown Worldwide staff to celebrate; Jim Thompson visiting Mayor Hayashi in Yokohama where the company began