Peter De Savary: The Flamboyant Businessman Who Rose, Fell, and Built Again
A powerful tale of vision, resilience, success, and setbacks in the life of an extraordinary entrepreneur
Introduction
Peter de Savary was more than just a businessman; he was a symbol of daring ambition and resilience. Known for his charisma, risk-taking nature, and an empire that spanned from hotels to yachts, his life was filled with both remarkable victories and humbling defeats. Despite financial collapses and personal challenges, he managed to rebuild himself repeatedly, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy in hospitality, leisure, and global entrepreneurship.
As a flamboyant entrepreneur, Peter de Savary’s story represents the dual nature of success—the triumphs that inspire admiration and the setbacks that remind us of the fragility of fortune. His life’s journey offers inspiration to aspiring businessmen while also teaching lessons in risk, perseverance, and reinvention.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter John de Savary |
| Date of Birth | 11 July 1944 |
| Place of Birth | Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, England |
| Died | 30 October 2022, London |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | British with French paternal heritage |
| Education | Charterhouse School (expelled at 16) |
| Occupation | Businessman, Entrepreneur, Yachtsman |
| Major Ventures | Hotels, Resorts, Golf Courses, Yachting |
| Spouses | Marcia (1st), Alice Simms (2nd), Lana Paton (3rd) |
| Children | Five daughters |
| Notable Roles | Founder of St. James’s Club, Chairman of Millwall F.C. |
| Legacy | Global influence in hospitality and yachting |
Early Life and Education
Childhood in Essex and Abroad
Peter de Savary was born on 11 July 1944 in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex. His father was French-born and worked as a pig farmer. Much of his early childhood was spent in Venezuela, where he lived with his mother and stepfather, a Shell executive. This exposure to different cultures shaped his adventurous mindset and later influenced his global business interests.
Education and Early Struggles
De Savary attended Charterhouse School, one of England’s most prestigious institutions. However, his rebellious streak led to expulsion at the age of 16. Without formal academic achievements, he had to carve out his path through experience and sheer determination. At 18, he moved to Canada, taking on jobs such as gardening, babysitting, and tutoring. These early hardships instilled in him the determination that would later define his entrepreneurial career.
Start of Career
Entry into Business
By the age of 25, Peter de Savary had acquired an import-export business called Afrex. Through this venture, he supplied goods to Nigeria and rapidly amassed wealth. By 30, he was already a millionaire, proving his natural talent for identifying opportunities.
Expanding Interests
In the following years, he ventured into oil, shipping, and international finance. He even co-founded a bank in the Bahamas and invested in oil refineries. Not every project succeeded, and one such business cost him a staggering £64 million. Despite this, his reputation as a daring businessman grew stronger.
Career in Hospitality and Real Estate
Building the St. James’s Club
In 1979, de Savary founded the St. James’s Club in London. The concept quickly expanded to New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Antigua, offering exclusivity and luxury to elite members. It was his first real mark in the hospitality industry.
Skibo Castle and Beyond
In the 1990s, he purchased Skibo Castle in Scotland, transforming it into the world-renowned Carnegie Club. This luxurious retreat famously hosted the wedding of Madonna and Guy Ritchie, boosting its global recognition. He also bought iconic British landmarks such as Land’s End and John o’ Groats, though financial difficulties during the 1990s recession forced him to sell many of his assets.
Boutique Hospitality Revival
After his empire’s collapse, he reinvented himself by focusing on boutique luxury properties. He oversaw the development of over 60 hotels, seven golf courses, and three marinas worldwide. Properties like Bovey Castle in Devon and the Abaco Club in the Bahamas remain a testament to his vision of combining exclusivity with heritage.
Passion for Yachting
America’s Cup Challenge
Peter de Savary was also an enthusiastic yachtsman. He led Britain’s challenge for the 1983 America’s Cup with the yacht Victory 83. Though defeated in the final by Australia II, this bold attempt further solidified his adventurous spirit.
Yacht Ownership and Shipbuilding
Throughout his lifetime, de Savary owned more than 30 yachts, including classics such as Kalizma and Vagrant. In 1988, he founded Pendennis Shipyard in Cornwall, which became a global leader in custom and refitted yachts. His passion for the sea symbolized his love for freedom and innovation.
Role in Football
In 2005, Peter de Savary became Chairman of Millwall F.C., taking over from Theo Paphitis. His tenure lasted less than a year, but he remained chairman of Millwall Holdings until 2006. This venture reflected his interest in British culture and sport, even though it did not achieve long-term success.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Charitable Works
De Savary contributed generously to charitable causes, especially children’s health initiatives. He supported cancer research and became a patron of teenage cancer foundations.
Ambassadorial Role
He was appointed as an International Ambassador for Grenada, helping promote investment and tourism. His influence extended beyond business, as he contributed to economic development in the Caribbean.
Personal Life
Marriages and Family
Peter de Savary married three times. With his first wife, Marcia, he had two daughters, Lisa and Nicola. His second marriage to Alice Simms was short-lived, lasting only six weeks. His third wife, Lana Paton, was from Charleston, South Carolina, and they had three daughters together: Tara, Amber, and Savannah.
Plane Crash and Philosophy
In 1987, de Savary survived a plane crash in the Caribbean that claimed the life of the pilot and left one of his daughters critically injured. This traumatic experience deeply changed his outlook on life. He once remarked, “To die rich is to die disgraced,” emphasizing the importance of living fully rather than accumulating wealth.
Legacy
Peter de Savary passed away on 30 October 2022 in London due to a heart attack. His legacy is one of resilience, daring vision, and a refusal to give up despite adversity. He will be remembered as a bold businessman, a devoted yachtsman, and a pioneer in boutique hospitality. His story is both inspiring and cautionary—showing that while ambition can lead to great heights, it can also bring dramatic falls. Yet, it is the courage to rebuild that defines true legacy.
Conclusion
The life of Peter de Savary is a powerful reminder of the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship. His story is filled with dazzling highs, crushing lows, and inspiring comebacks. While some criticized him for his flamboyant lifestyle and financial risks, others admired his unyielding energy and vision. Ultimately, he proved that true success lies not in never failing, but in always rising again. His impact continues to be felt in hotels, yachts, and communities touched by his work across the globe.
FAQ
Q1: Who was Peter de Savary?
Peter de Savary was a British businessman, yachtsman, and entrepreneur known for his ventures in hospitality, property, and leisure.
Q2: What is Peter de Savary most famous for?
He was famous for founding the St. James’s Club, transforming Skibo Castle into the Carnegie Club, and challenging in the America’s Cup yacht race.
Q3: How many children did Peter de Savary have?
He had five daughters from his three marriages.
Q4: What was his role in football?
He served briefly as Chairman of Millwall F.C. and later remained chairman of Millwall Holdings.
Q5: What is Peter de Savary’s legacy?
His legacy lies in reshaping luxury hospitality, his adventurous contributions to yachting, and his ability to reinvent himself despite setbacks.
