Alexander Stockton Cussons (1914–1986). Born in Salford, England to Alexander Tom Cussons (1875–1951) and his wife Emily Jane Cussons (née Kidd, 1875–1957). Alexander was the Chairman of Cussons Group, the largest independent soap manufacturer in Britain. Alexander continued manufacturing of the famous brand Cussons Imperial Leather, and many other products under the Cussons label, including 1001 Carpet Cleaner. Career Alexander worked at the Cussons Company from 1931 until his retirement in 1968. Before becoming chairman of the main Cussons Company Alexander was chairman of the South African subsidiary. South Africa was the first overseas market for the Cussons brand. In 1963 Alexander succeeded his brother Leslie to become chairman of the Cussons Company. As chairman Alexander established new factories in Jamaica and Ethiopia. Alexander continued the manufacture of the flagship brand Cussons Imperial Leather and other Cussons branded products. Alexander also obtained the rights to manufacture and distribute the German brand Badedas in Britain. Badedas is a bath additive containing extract of horse chestnuts. The launch party was held at the Savoy Hotel. The Badedas brand remains popular in Britain today and has since been acquired by Unilever. In 1968 Alexander suffered a heart attack which he survived. Subsequently he retired as Chairman of Cussons and moved to Durban, South Africa. This marked the end of a line of family chairmen which went back for over sixty years. Alexander chose as his successor Michael Bucks. Michael Bucks was well qualified for the position. He had extensive experience in company finance, having served as a director for the Rothschild family business. Alexander became a director of several companies following his retirement from Cussons, including the Sylko Paper Company, manufacturing cards, paper and table products. Conservation Work Alexander supported conservation efforts and donated land in Shetland, including Ronas Hill (the highest point in Shetland), to become a national nature reserve. Alexander was also a member of the World Wildlife Fund and knew the leading conservationist Sir Peter Scott. Alexander wished to preserve vulnerable and endangered species and considered starting a breeding program in South Africa to help against the threat of extinction. Cussons Roses The popular 'Wendy Cussons' Rose was named after Alexander's wife, Wendy. The rose was bred by C. Gregory & Son. Ltd. of Nottingham and released in 1956. The Wendy Cussons rose was globally very successful over many years, winning awards, and is still available in 2021, over 60