Peter Woo

Peter Woo Kwong-ching, GBM, GBS, JP (Chinese: 吳光正; born September 5, 1946) is a Hong Kong billionaire businessman. He was the chairman of Wheelock and Company Limited (SEHK: 20)and The Wharf Holdings Limited (SEHK: 4) until 19 May 2015. As of April 2021, his net worth is estimated to be $14 billion.[1]

In this Hong Kong name, the surname is Woo (吳). In accordance with Hong Kong custom, the Western-style name is Peter Woo and the Chinese-style name is Woo Kwong-ching.

The Honourable

Peter Woo

GBM GBS JP
Born
Woo Kwong-ching

(1946-09-05) September 5, 1946
Shanghai, China
EducationUniversity of Cincinnati
Columbia Business School
Occupation(s)Former chairman of Wheelock and Company Limited and The Wharf Holdings Limited
SpouseBessie Pao Pui-yung
Children3 (including Douglas Woo)
RelativesYue-kong Pao (father-in-law)
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese吳光正
Simplified Chinese吴光正

Education

Woo was born in Shanghai in 1946 with ancestral roots in Ningbo, Zhejiang,[2][3] and moved to Hong Kong in 1949.[4] He was educated at St Stephen's College, a Direct Subsidy Scheme privately owned but government-funded boarding school (which is also Hong Kong's largest secondary school), in the town of Stanley, and went on to attain his bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati, US, majoring in physics.[5] While a student, Woo was senior class president,[6] and became a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity, an endeavor he is still involved in today. He later obtained an MBA from Columbia Business School in New York, US.

Life and career

After graduating, Woo worked at Chase Manhattan Bank in New York and Hong Kong, where he met his future wife Bessie. Bessie was the sister of the woman he was arranged to be married to. His family did not approve of a non Asian marriage.[7]

Woo's diversified interests are reflected in his businesses, focusing in real estate development in Hong Kong, China and Singapore. The group owns several investment properties such as Harbour City and Times Square in Hong Kong, as well as operating other businesses such as i-Cable Communications, Wharf New T&T, Modern Terminals Limited and Marco Polo Hotels. Woo also owns the privately held, high-end luxury retail group LCJG, which includes Lane Crawford and the premier fashion house, Joyce. Woo also serves on the advisory board for various Fortune 500 companies such as Chase Manhattan Bank, JPMorgan Chase and General Electric.[8]

Political and non-profit

Woo is a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

His past appointments include:

In 1996, Woo ran in the First Hong Kong Chief Executive Election just before the British colony was handed over back to Chinese rule, alongside Yang Ti-liang and Tung Chee-hwa. Tung won.

Achievements and honours

The Government of Hong Kong appointed Woo Justice of the Peace in 1993, awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 1998 and the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2012.[9]

See also

References
  1. "Peter Woo". Forbes. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
  2. "Peter Woo/World China General Chamber of Commerce and Industry". Archived from the original on 5 December 2019.
  3. Prial, Frank J. (24 September 1991). "No Headline". The New York Times.
  4. "Mr. Peter Woo". China-United States Exchange Foundation.
  5. "The Cincinnatian [1970, pt.02]". digital.cincinnatilibrary.org. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  6. "The Cincinnatian [1970, pt.02]". digital.cincinnatilibrary.org. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  7. "Peter Woo". Forbes. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  8. "Mr. Peter WOO". 團結香港基金 OUR HONG KONG FOUNDATION. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  9. Honours List, , 30 June 2012. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
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