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 Accountant, businessman
Employer Rank Organisation
Known for Former Managing Director of & Chair of Rank Organisation
Spouse(s)
Dinah Sheridan (m. 1954–1965)

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

  1. 1 2 John Clement Obituary: Sir John Davis, The Independent, 1 July 1993
  2. ↑ Patricia Warren British Film Studios: An Illustrated History, London: B.T. Batsford, 2001, p.120
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