Richard A. Smith (businessman)
Richard A. Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | Richard Alan Smith November 1, 1924 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | September 9, 2020 (aged 95) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | CEO of General Cinema Corporation |
| Spouse | Susan Flax |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent | Philip Smith |
| Relatives | Jeffrey Lurie (nephew) |
Richard Alan Smith (November 1, 1924 – September 9, 2020) was an American businessman who was CEO of General Cinema Corporation.
Biography
Smith was born in 1924
Smith diversified and expanded the company through acquisitions.
In 1984, General Cinema purchased a controlling interest in
In 2000, General Cinema sold Harcourt General to publisher
Philanthropy
He and his wife founded the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation.[6] Since 1973, the foundation has donated $45.6 million to Boston's Jewish community of which $24 million was given to Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston (CJP).[7]
Personal life
In 1952, Smith married Susan Flax who was Jewish.[6][8] They had four children: James Smith (who died in 1970), Amy Smith Berylson, Robert Smith, and Debra Smith Knez.[6] His daughter is married to Brian Knez.[9][10] His son, Robert Smith and son-in-law Brian Knez, were co-CEOs of Harcourt General until its sale then co-founded private equity shop Castanea Partners in 2001.[5] His nephew is Jeffrey Lurie; in 1994, he and his sister provided collateral for a $185 million loan enabling Jeff to purchase the Philadelphia Eagles.[5]
Smith died on September 9, 2020, aged 95.[11]
References
- ^ a b Fortune: "The New Show at Neiman-Marcus - A little-known empire of movie houses and soft drink bottlers, General Cinema, is buying up control of the country's most glamorous retailer." by John Paul Newport Jr. April 27, 1987
- ^ a b c d e f Los Angeles Times: "General Cinema More Wall St. Than Hollywood : Investments Pay Off Handsomely for Bottler and Theater-Chain Operator" by Kathryn Harris August 11, 1985
- ^ a b Harvard Business School Lehman Collection "GC Computer Corporation" retrieved September 25, 2017
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Funding Universe: "GC Companies, Inc. History" retrieved September 26, 2017
- ^ a b c Forbes: "(Richard Alan) Smith family" retrieved September 24, 2017
- ^ a b c Boston Globe: "Susan Smith, 83; philanthropist’s passion transformed cancer care" By Bryan Marquard August 2, 2016
- ^ "Tribute to Richard Smith". Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston. October 13, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
"Because of our Jewish heritage," Smith said in a letter to his descendants, "we expect Combined Jewish Philanthropies, or another appropriate Jewish philanthropic vehicle, to be a permanent core part of the Foundation's giving."
- ^ Legacy.com: "SUSAN M. (FLAX) SMITH" August 2, 2016
- ^ Tufts University: "Profiles in Giving - Debra Smith Knez, J82" retrieved September 25, 2017
- ^ Boston College Law School Magazine: "The Canny Investor - When Brian Knez Sees Opportunity, Companies Thrive" by Maura King Scully" Winter 2015
- ^ Richard Alan Smith