Early Life and Background
David Reuben was born in 1941 in Bombay, British India, into a Baghdadi Jewish family. His parents later separated. In the 1950s, he and his brother Simon moved to London with their mother, where they attended state schools. David started in the scrap metal business.
Rise to Success
The Reuben brothers' success started in the 1970s and 1980s through metals and property trading. In the early 1990s, they invested in the Russian metals market through Trans-World Group, which later became one of the largest aluminum producers. They sold their Russian assets by 2000, shifting focus to the UK property market. They acquired prime real estate in London, including Millbank Tower.
Key Business Strategies
David Reuben's approach involved identifying high-value opportunities and scaling them efficiently. The Reuben brothers diversified their investments into sectors like hospitality, logistics, and renewable energy. They also invested in technology companies.
Philanthropy
The Reuben Foundation, established in 2002, is the family's philanthropic vehicle, focusing on education, healthcare, and youth opportunity. The foundation has supported educational institutions, hospitals, and various community programs. The foundation has donated millions to create the Reuben College at Oxford University.