Background
LEES, David was born on November 23, 1936 in Aberdeen. Son of late Rear-Admiral D. M. Lees, C.B. D.S.O., and of D. M. Lees.
LEES, David was born on November 23, 1936 in Aberdeen. Son of late Rear-Admiral D. M. Lees, C.B. D.S.O., and of D. M. Lees.
Certified, London Business School, 1967.
Clerk Binder Hamlyn & Company, London, 1957-1962. Senior audit clerk Handley Page Ltd., 1962-1963, chief accountant, 1964-1968. Finance director Handley Page Aircraft Ltd., 1969.
Chief accountant, deputy controller, then director, secretary, controller GKN Sankey Ltd., London, 1970-1976. Group finance executive GKN plc (formerly GKN Ltd.), 1976-1977, general manager finance, 1977-1982, finance director, 1982-1987, group managing director, chairman designate, 1987-1988, chairman, chief executive, 1988-1997, chairman, since 1997. Board directors GKN (United Kingdom) PLC, United Engineering Ltd.
Director Bank of England, since 1991. Non-executive director Courtauld's plc, 1991-1998, non-executive chairman 1997-1998. Member Midlands Industrial Council, 1988-1996.
Ex-officio member management board and general council Engineering Employers' Federation, since 1987, member policy committee, vice president, 1988-1989, senior deputy president, 1989-1990, president, 1990-1992, vice president, since 1994. Chairman council, economic and finance policy committee, 1988-1994, member president's committee Confederation British Industry, 1988-1996, member finance and general purposes committee, since 1994. Member New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization Engineering Industry sector group, 1988-1992.
Member Listed Companies advisory group, 1990-1997.
Board governors, Shrewsbury School. Director Royal Opera House, since 1998. Fellow Royal Society Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce.
Member Society Business Economists (president), European Round Table.
Married Edith Mary Bernard. Children: Jeremy, Virginia, Justin.