Billionaire Profile
Patrick Lee
Global Rank
#1079

Image: film screenshot | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Patrick Lee

CEO, Paper
HONG KONG
Real-Time Net Worth
$4.008B
Estimated based on Paper stock value as of April 20, 2026
+1.42% (24h)
Age
84
Source
Paper
Industry
Manufacturing
Citizenship
HONG KONG

Biography

Patrick Lee, born in 1942, is a Hong Kong-based billionaire and the Chairman of Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Limited. He came to Hong Kong as an orphan and learned the art of trading from his uncle. His career started in handbags, but he later saw a business opportunity in the paper industry and founded Lee & Man Paper in 1994. The company has since grown into a major player in industrial packaging. As of March 25, 2026, his net worth is estimated at $3.96 billion, ranking him among the world's wealthiest individuals. His achievements include building a significant presence in the paper industry and expanding into chemical production.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Patrick Lee, born in Hainan, China, in 1942, arrived in Hong Kong as an orphan. He learned the basics of business from his uncle, which laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial endeavors. His early business ventures included trading, and he found early success in the handbag industry, which gave him the experience to start his own company.

Rise to Success

Lee recognized a gap in the market for packaging materials, which led him to establish Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Limited in 1994. This company became the cornerstone of his wealth, specializing in the production of paper and packaging products. Under Lee's leadership, the company flourished, expanding its operations and market share. His vision and strategic decisions propelled Lee & Man Paper to become a leading industrial packaging provider.

Key Business Strategies

A key strategy was to invest in Dongguan, China, making him one of the first Hong Kong entrepreneurs to operate factories in mainland China. He expanded the company, by starting a chemical production branch called Lee & Man Chemical in 2006. The company focused on building a presence in the industrial packaging sector, creating a large, successful firm.

Philanthropy

The Lee family is also known for their involvement in horse racing. Their racehorses are all named after Bao Zhuang, the Chinese term for packaging, highlighting their connection to their business. The Patrick P. Lee Foundation is a private foundation committed to achieving immediate and measurable impact in the areas of education and mental health. The Patrick Lee Foundation supports education and mental health initiatives.

Career Milestones

1976

Started manufacturing cassette tapes

Lee began manufacturing cassette tapes under a self-made brand, which provided his first financial success.

1994

Founded Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Limited

Lee established Lee & Man Paper, a significant move into the paper manufacturing industry.

2006

Ventured into chemical production

Lee set up Lee & Man Chemical.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Mental Health

Patrick P. Lee Foundation

Unknown

The Lee Foundation is a private foundation committed to achieving immediate and measurable impact in the areas of Education and Mental Health.