Haji Hashim bin Ahmad was born on 1 May 1950 in Kampung Padang Perahu, Jitra, Kedah. He received his primary education at Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Perahu, Jitra from 1957 to 1960. Later, he went to study at Sekolah Rendanh Kebangsaan Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin (English medium) from 1961 to 1963. In 1964, he went to study at Sekolah Menengah Jitra until 1968. Later, he continued his studies at Sekolah Dato' Abdul Razak, Tanjong Malim, Perak for two years (1969-1970). From 1971 to 1974, he studied at University Malaya.

Career :

• Assistant State Secretary II (Service Branch) (6 April 1976)
• Assistant District Officer (II) Kuala Muda (1 June 1981)
• Assistant District Officer I (Land) Langkawi (19 June 1982)
• Acting Land Administrator, Baling (1 March 1986)
• Principal Assistant District Officer (Development), Kubang Pasu (1 January 1990)
• Principal Assistant District Officer (Land) Pokok Sena Sub-district (16 June 1993)
• Principal Assistant State Secretary (Administration) (1 February 1994)
• Principal Assistant State Secretary (Local Government) (1 October 1995)
• General Manager, Kedah State Islamic Foundation (1 August 1997)
• Land Administrator, Kuala Muda District (1 March 2000)
• Land Administrator, Kota Star District (15 April 2001)
• District Officer, Yan (10 September 2001)
• Acting District Officer, Kulim (10 January 2003)
• District Officer, Kulim (1 March 2003)
  

Haji Hashim was conferred several state honours such as Setia DiRaja Kedah (S.D.K.), Ahli Mahkota Kedah (A.M.K.) and Bintang Perkhidmatan Cemerlang Kedah (B.C.K.).