Sir David Raymond Levene - KNZM OBE

David Levene joined his father and uncle's paint business in 1947, taking over the management in 1952 after his uncle's death. He was aged 23 and the business had one outlet.

By 1994, when Levene & Company was sold to Skellerup Group, it had 50 stores, paint and wallpaper factories and a total turnover of $150 million.

Three years later, after an unsuccessful management buyout, it was placed in receivership. But the name and the business were later revived by a former franchisee.

Levene involved himself in property development and horticulture but found time to help the community. He supported North Shore Hospice, was a patron of Outward Bound and created a charitable trust to assist worthy organisations.

Sir David  Raymond Levene - KNZM OBE

Inducted: 2006
Industry: Retailing