Born in Scotland in the Dumfries and Galloway region, he was educated at Eton where he excelled in Classics and sports then later at Trinity College in Cambridge.
While at Cambridge in 1942, his studies were interrupted by his service with the King's Own Scottish Borderers, serving in Europe, later on his regiment was transferred to the Middle East, in Egypt then in Palestine.
Attaining the rank of Captain and awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in action, he returned to Cambridge in 1947 to continue his studies in Classics.
A brilliant manager, Herries moved up the corporate ladder fast and in less than ten years reached the rank of associate director.
He is best remembered for confidently steering the group during the tumultuous 1966–67 revolution that convulsed Hong Kong and was prodded by the Chinese Communist Government.