Early Life
Michael Kadoorie was born in Hong Kong in 1941 to the Jewish Kadoorie family. His father, Lawrence Kadoorie, was a business tycoon. He received his education at Kowloon Junior School in Hong Kong and later at Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland. The Kadoorie family has a long history in the Far East, with roots tracing back to Baghdad and later to Shanghai.
Rise to Success
Michael Kadoorie's career has been marked by his leadership in significant companies. He is the Chairman of CLP Holdings Ltd., which his family founded in 1890. CLP Holdings provides electricity to 75% of Hong Kong. Additionally, he chairs The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, owners of the Peninsula Hotel Group.
Key Business Strategies
Kadoorie's business strategies include maintaining a balance between corporate professionalism and family-guided stability. Under his leadership, CLP has expanded its operations, and The Peninsula Hotels has grown globally. He has also focused on renewable energy development through the CLP Research Institute.
Philanthropy
Michael Kadoorie is known for his commitment to philanthropy, with his Kadoorie Charitable Foundation supporting various causes. The foundation has aided over a million people in Nepal, supported the Nepali community of former Gurkhas in Hong Kong and has funded hospitality training schemes. He also initiated the Sir Horace Kadoorie Youth Development Centre for Hospitality in Shanghai.