Chairman of the Lee Kum Kee Family Foundation since 2013, David Lee is a fourth-generation member of the family behind the venerable Chinese sauce brand that originated in Guangdong in 1888. He was formerly chairman of the company, which was founded by his great grandfather Lee Kum Sheung. Lee Kum Kee now makes more than 200 types of sauce, and has interests in areas including Chinese herbal health products, herb plantations, property investment and venture capital.

David Lee joined the family company in the early 1980s, initially taking charge of its expansion into the US. These days, through the foundation, he focuses on healthcare and the promotion of positive family relationships. Lee’s family also donated US$21 million in 2016 to establish the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness at Harvard University.

He is also an honorary fellow of Hong Kong Baptist University, a member of court of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. David Lee is married to philanthropist and fashionista Mahnaz, which whom he has two children.