John Davis (British businessman)
Sir John Davis | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Henry Harris Davis 1906 London, England |
| Died | 1993 |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | City of London School |
| Occupation(s) | Accountant, businessman |
| Employer | Rank Organisation |
| Known for | Former Managing Director of & Chair of Rank Organisation |
| Spouse | |
Sir John Henry Harris Davis (1906–1993) was an English accountant and businessman, best known for being Managing Director, and later Chairman, of the Rank Organisation
Early life
John Davis was born in the City of London in 1906 and educated at the City of London School.
Career
Davis became a member of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries, he was secretary to several companies before joining Odeon Theatres in 1938 as an accountant, later becoming managing director of the Rank Organisation in 1948.[1] He steered the company away from a financial crisis in 1949[2] to a strong financial position, by diversifying the group into different fields. He ceased being managing director of the conglomerate in 1962, becoming Chairman after Rank's retirement. Davis was knighted in 1971 and retired from the chairmanship in 1977.[1]
Personal life
He was married five times. One of his wives was the actress Dinah Sheridan (1954–1965).
References
- ^ a b John Clement Obituary: Sir John Davis, The Independent, 1 July 1993
- ^ Patricia Warren British Film Studios: An Illustrated History, London: B.T. Batsford, 2001, p.120