Robert Hanson (financier)
Robert Hanson | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 3, 1960 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, financier |
| Known for | Chairman of Hanson Family Holdings |
The Hon. Robert William Hanson (born 3 October 1960) is a British entrepreneur and financier. He serves as chairman of Hanson Family Holdings, a privately owned firm with interests spanning logistics, investment banking, news media, and the chemical sector.
Early life
Hanson is the eldest son of James Hanson and Geraldine Kaelin. He had one younger sibling, Brook Hanson (1964–2014).
His education was completed at Eton College followed by St Peter's College, Oxford. His initial employment was as an assistant reptile keeper at the Windsor Safari Park.
Career
During the 1980s, Hanson began his career at N M Rothschild & Sons before joining his father’s enterprises; his father received a life peer title in 1983.
Following the dissolution of his father’s public company in late 1997, Hanson stepped down and assumed leadership as chairman of Hanson Transport Group. The following year, he established Hanson Capital, a financial services firm built on his extensive network of international investors. This entity remains integral to the group today.
Currently, Hanson leads Hanson Family Holdings, which controls a variety of global businesses in logistics, investment banking, and chemical manufacturing.
In 2013, the group purchased Venezuela’s leading newspaper, Últimas Noticias, reportedly for $98 million. The subsequent year, employees accused him of converting it into "a Socialist Party mouthpiece," although the editor clarified that Hanson's sole instruction was to ensure the publication remained both balanced and financially viable.
Personal life
Previously connected with socialites and models such as Sophie Anderton and Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Hanson's name frequently appeared in celebrity gossip.
He later married Russian model Masha Markova, who is half his age, and moved to Los Angeles. Their son Max was born in October after they announced their engagement in March 2010.