Ken Lee (businessman)

Ken Lee (1932 – December 21 2007) was a Chinese-Australian businessman who co-founded the Bing Lee chain of electronic stores with his father, Bing Lee. He also served as the company's chairman from 1987 until 2007.

Early life

Ken Lee grew up in a poor rural region of Shandong province in China. cite news |first=Vanda|last=Carson|title= The Lee who put the ping in Bing dies aged 75|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/the-lee-who-put-the-ping-in-bing-dies-aged-75/2007/12/21/1198175341953.html|work= Sydney Morning Herald |publisher= |date=2007-12-22 |accessdate=2007-12-21] Lee and his family, including his father, Bing Lee, fled China after the Communist Revolution when he was just 16. They eventually settled in Australia.

Bing Lee stores

Ken and his father, Bing Lee, opened their first Bing Lee store in Fairfield, New South Wales in 1957 cite news |first=|last=|title= Electronics retailer Ken Lee dies at 75|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/the-lee-who-put-the-ping-in-bing-dies-aged-75/2007/12/21/1198175341953.html|work= Sydney Morning Herald |publisher= |date=2007-12-21 |accessdate=2007-12-21] as an electrical sales and repair store. Lee's first job at Bing Lee was as a repairman and salesman. However, he and his father gradually built the Bing Lee chain from its first store into a multi-million dollar retail business.

Bing Lee died in 1987, leaving his son, Ken Lee, as the sole owner and chairman of the Bing Lee company. By 1987, Bing Lee had expanded to 11 stores. There are now over 35 stores located throughout New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, as of 2007. The company now has over 700 employees. According to news reports, Ken Lee knew nearly all of his 700 employees by name.

Personal life

Lee had a number of personal interests and hobbies. He was an avid golfer, snooker player, fisher and boater.

Family

Lee was married to his wife, Yenda Lee, for 48 years, until his death. The couple had two sons, Lionel and Greg.

Death

Ken Lee died on December 21 2007, at St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, aged 75, from cancer. He was survived by his wife, sons and six grandchildren. His elder son, Lionel Lee, succeeded as head of the company.

External links

* [http://www.binglee.com.au/ Bing Lee Website]

References