John Malcolm is a kinsman of Sir John Malcolm. After graduating in history from the University of Cambridge in 1957, he worked for fourteen years for Royal Dutch Shell, serving in Malaysia, East Africa, Yemen, London and Iran. In 1972 he settled in Australia and worked with various companies in international business. He has extensive knowledge of the Middle East and Asia, and since retirement has been free to pursue his interest in the life and times of Sir John Malcolm. He divides his time between Britain and Australia.