| Lyndon Lea | |
|---|---|
| Born | 13 January 1969 Morecambe, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom |
| Residence | London, England, UK |
| Alma mater | University of Western Ontario |
| Occupation | Financier, investor |
| Known for | Co-founding Lion Capital |
| Spouse | Divorced[1] |
| Children | 1 daughter, 1 son[1] |
Lyndon Lea (born 13 January 1969) is an English financier and investor, known for co-founding Lion Capital which specializes in making investments in the consumer sector.
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Lea was born in Morecambe, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom.[2] His mother was a hairdresser and his father was an engineer who loved travel.[2] Lea spent his childhood growing up in South Africa, Botswana and Canada, where he became a citizen. In 1990, after graduating in business administration from the University of Western Ontario, his career started in the mergers and acquisitions department of Goldman Sachs in New York. He returned to London in 1992 and, after a brief spell in the investment-banking division of Schroders, he was recruited with current Lion partner, Neil Richardson, to start the European affiliate (Glenisla) of industry giant Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co. In 1998 he was spotted by Hicks Muse and brought in to launch their new European business. In 2004, gained prominence by separating the business he ran from its ailing American parent, Hicks Muse, into one of the best-known firms in the investment business.[3]
Lea is known for his unique, hands-on investing style and glamourous personal life.[4] He owns a polo ranch in Santa Barbara, California where he has reportedly hosted several lavish summer parties at his Californian beach house which have included entertainment from acts such as Cirque du Soleil and beautiful women.[5] His leveraged buy outs and high profile rescues of fashion companies have made him a staple of the UK and New York press.[5] Lea's company, Lion Capital, has raised approximately €4 billion of investor capital since inception in 2004.
In July 2011 Lea's team Zacara won the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship, at Cowdray Park.
Lea is also a supporter and advocate for Not For Sale, a charity that raises awareness of modern day slavery.[6]
Lea's career has been marked by many successful and diverse investments including:
Lea has also served on the board of several public companies including Harry Winston, American Apparel, Yell Group and Premier Foods.