Ken Lee (businessman)
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Ken Lee (1932 – December 21, 2007) was a Chinese-Australian businessman who co-founded the Bing Lee chain of electronic stores with his father, Bing Lee.[1] He also served as the company's chairman from 1987 until 2007.[1]
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[edit] Early life
Ken Lee grew up in a poor rural region of Shandong province in China. [1] Lee and his family, including his father, Bing Lee, fled China after the Communist Revolution when he was just 16.[1] They eventually settled in Australia.
[edit] Bing Lee stores
Ken and his father, Bing Lee, opened their first Bing Lee store in Fairfield, New South Wales in 1957[2] as an electrical sales and repair store.[2] Lee's first job at Bing Lee was as a repairman and salesman.[2] However, he and his father gradually built the Bing Lee chain from its first store into a multi-million dollar retail business.[2]
Bing Lee died in 1987, leaving his son, Ken Lee, as the sole owner and chairman of the Bing Lee company.[1] By 1987, Bing Lee had expanded to 11 stores.[1] There are now over 35 stores located throughout New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, as of 2007.[1] The company now has over 700 employees.[1] According to news reports, Ken Lee knew nearly all of his 700 employees by name.[1]
[edit] Personal life
Lee had a number of personal interests and hobbies. He was an avid golfer, snooker player, fisher and boater.[1]
[edit] Family
Lee was married to his wife, Yenda Lee, for 48 years, until his death.[1] The couple had two sons, Lionel and Greg.[1]
[edit] Death
Ken Lee died on December 21, 2007, at St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, aged 75, from cancer.[2] He was survived by his wife, sons and six grandchildren. His elder son, Lionel Lee, succeeded as head of the company.[1]
