Alec Reed

Sir Alec Edward Reed, CBE, FCMA, FCIPD (born 16 February 1934) is the founder of Reed Executive Ltd, one of the UK's largest private businesses. Knighted for services to business and charity in 2011, Reed is a high-profile charity donor and organiser. His various charitable initiatives have given away over £159m, mostly in support of women, addiction, overseas development, education and the arts.

Quotes

• Once you’re head of a public company you are expected to perform; you’re like an unpaid greyhound on a racetrack called the stock market. They’d take bets on us, but not add anything at all.
  • The Business Times Online, 2012.