Billionaire Profile
Patrick Lee
Global Rank
#1088

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Patrick Lee

CEO, Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Limited
HK
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.7B
As of December 2025
Age
83
Source
Paper
Industry
manufacturing
Citizenship
HK

Biography

Patrick Lee, a Hong Kong entrepreneur, born in 1942, is the founder of Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Limited. He built his wealth from the paper industry. His net worth is currently estimated at $3.7 billion, making him a prominent figure in the global business landscape. Lee's career began with early success in handbags, but he transitioned to paper manufacturing, founding Lee & Man Paper in 1994. The company quickly became a major player in industrial packaging. Lee's leadership and vision have been instrumental in the company's growth and success, establishing him as a self-made billionaire and a significant contributor to the manufacturing sector. With five children, he is also known for his philanthropy, as highlighted by the Patrick P. Lee Foundation.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Patrick Lee was born in Qionghai, Hainan, and moved to Hong Kong with his relatives in 1945. He learned business acumen from his uncle and started his entrepreneurial journey.

Rise to Success

Lee began his career by manufacturing cassette tapes in 1976. He later ventured into the handbag trade. Recognizing a need for packaging, he founded Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Limited in 1994. Under his leadership, the company grew to become one of the world's leading paper and pulp manufacturers, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2003. Lee's vision led the company to success in multiple industries, including chemicals, real estate, and hotels.

Key Business Strategies

Lee focused on the high-demand paper industry, establishing a strong presence in containerboard and linerboard production. He strategically invested in Dongguan and was among the first Hong Kong entrepreneurs to operate factories in mainland China. The company has been expanding its production capacity, and is still a major player in the industrial packaging sector.

Philanthropy

Lee established the Patrick P. Lee Foundation, which focuses on education and mental health. The foundation supports scholarships and other initiatives to improve community well-being. Lee has made significant gifts in memory of his son, Patrick Warn Lee, including contributions to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Canisius University.

Career Milestones

1976

Started Manufacturing Cassette Tapes

Began his entrepreneurial journey by manufacturing cassette tapes.

1994

Founded Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing Limited

Founded the company, which became a major player in industrial packaging.

2003

Lee & Man Paper Listed on Hong Kong Stock Exchange

Successfully listed his company, expanding its reach and influence.

2013

Handed Reins to Son

Handed over the reins to his son Raymond as Chairman of Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Lee Foundation Scholarship Program

$2M

Scholarship program in memory of his son at Canisius University.

Healthcare

Support for Roswell Park's Palliative Care Program

$2M

Established an endowed chair to support Roswell Park's Palliative and Supportive Care program

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""It goes back and forth and back and forth and back and forth,""

Leadership Principles

Vision

Demonstrated great vision and shrewdness in business.

Family Focus

Highly devoted to his family and the education of his children.