Damon Buffini facts for kids

Sir Damon Marcus Buffini was born in May 1962. He is a well-known British businessman. He currently serves as the deputy chair of the BBC Board. He is also the chair of the BBC Commercial Board. Before this, he led a company called Permira. He was also a governor for the Wellcome Trust.

Early Life and Education

Damon Buffini was born in Leicester, England, in 1962. His father was an African-American serviceman. His mother was British.

He studied law at St John's College, Cambridge. Later, he earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. An MBA is a special degree for business management.

His Career Journey

Damon Buffini started his career at a company called L.E.K. Consulting. They even gave him a scholarship to study at Harvard Business School. After his studies, he worked as a consultant for Imperial Group.

In 1988, he joined a team at Schroders. This team focused on buying companies using borrowed money. It was known as Schroder Ventures Europe.

Leading Permira

Buffini became a partner in 1992. He was promoted to lead the UK business in 1999. In 2000, he became the managing partner. He then led a group that bought the company. They renamed it Permira.

Permira became a very successful company under his leadership. He earned a good income from his work there.

Working with the BBC

In November 2021, Sir Damon Buffini joined the BBC Board. He became a non-executive director. This means he helps guide the BBC but is not involved in daily operations. His role started on January 1, 2022.

He also became the chair of the BBC's commercial board. This board helps the BBC with its business activities. In December 2022, he was given the special title of deputy chair of the BBC Board.

Other Important Roles

Sir Damon Buffini has held many other important positions. He was a board member for SVG Capital plc. He also helped start the Social Business Trust. This trust helps social businesses grow.

In 2005, he and his wife, Lady Deborah Buffini, started The Buffini Chao Foundation. This foundation supports good causes.

He is also a main board member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. This company performs plays by William Shakespeare. He is also a trustee of the Royal Anniversary Trust. This trust gives out prizes for education.

In September 2012, he joined the board of governors at The Wellcome Trust. This trust supports health research.

In July 2020, the UK Government asked him to lead the Culture Recovery Board. This board helped manage a large fund. The fund was created to protect UK arts and heritage during the COVID-19 crisis.

Sir Damon Buffini was appointed Chair of the Royal National Theatre in 2016. This theatre is one of the most famous in the UK.

Achievements and Recognition

Sir Damon Buffini has received many awards and recognitions. In 2007, he was ranked first on the Powerlist. This list names the most influential Black Britons.

He was also recognized in business. The Times Power 100 ranked him as one of the most influential people in British business. He was also part of Prime Minister Gordon Brown's business advisory panel.

In 2016, he was made a Knight Bachelor. This means he received the title "Sir" for his volunteer and charity work.

Personal Life

Sir Damon Buffini is married to Deborah (née Chao), who is a solicitor. They have three children. Their family home is in Weybridge. They also have a flat in Wandsworth.

He enjoys playing tennis and golf. He also plays football for a local amateur team. He is a big fan of Arsenal football club.