Mr. Gilmour is a Canadian-born entrepreneur who, with his long-time partner Peter Munk, founded the South Pacific Hotel Corporation in 1969; it became the largest hotel chain in the South Pacific. A decade later, the chain was sold and the partners formed Barrick Gold Corporation, now the world’s largest gold-mining firm. Mr. Gilmour was the founder of FIJI Water LLC, the fastest-growing premium beverage when he divested himself of the company in 2004. After visiting his island Wakaya, an island of unspoiled natural beauty, which he purchased it in 1971. In 1990 he and his wife, Jill, opened the Wakaya Club & Spa as an exclusive resort. His newest venture is Wakaya Perfection, a collection of natural single origin, organic products, which control inflammation and boost the immune system. The entire collection is grown in volcanic soil in the Republic of Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga and Nicaragua due its purity, performance, and provenance of these geographic locations. The Gilmours’ charitable focus is on preschool education; they have built preschools in ten areas of Fiji and the United States, with the largest and most recent being in West Palm Beach, Florida. In recognition of his achievements, Mr. Gilmour was awarded the Order of Fiji in 1998. The Gilmours spend their time in Palm Beach and New York.
