David Orr (businessman) facts for kids

Sir David Alexander Orr (born May 10, 1922, in Dalkey, County Dublin, Ireland – died February 2, 2008) was a very important Anglo-Irish businessman and a kind person who supported many good causes. He was also a brave soldier who fought in World War II. Sir David was known for his strong leadership in big companies and for helping to rebuild the famous Globe Theatre in London.

Early Life and Education

David Orr was born in 1922, the third of four children. His father was a church leader at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. David went to The High School in Dublin. Later, he studied Classics, which is the study of ancient Greek and Roman culture, at Trinity College, Dublin. While at college, he was a talented boxer and even captained the rugby team.

A Hero in World War II

In 1941, David left his studies to join the army. He became part of the Royal Ulster Rifles and later the Royal Engineers. He served in Burma (now Myanmar) during 1944-45, helping to retake the country. For his bravery and leadership during the war, he was awarded the Military Cross not once, but twice!

A Career in Business

After the war, David Orr went back to Trinity College to finish his degree in Law. He then joined Unilever, a very large company that makes many everyday products. From 1955 to 1966, he worked for Unilever's branch in India, called Hindustan Lever. He then moved to London and later to New York, where he became the president of Lever Bros in 1965. He retired from Unilever in 1982.

Later, Sir David became the chairman of Inchcape, another big trading company. He also served on the boards of other important companies like RTZ and Shell Transport & Trading. From 1983 to 1989, he was a member of the court of the Bank of Ireland.

Helping the Community

Sir David Orr was asked to help rebuild the famous Globe Theatre in London in 1982. This theatre is a reconstruction of the original theatre where William Shakespeare's plays were first performed. As the chairman of the Globe Theatre Trust, he was amazing at raising money for the project. Thanks to his efforts, the theatre was finally completed in 1997.

He also served on committees that reviewed salaries for civil servants and the armed forces, even negotiating directly with the Prime Minister at the time, Margaret Thatcher.

Awards and Recognition

David Orr was recognized for his achievements and contributions. He was made a Knight in 1977, which means he was given the title "Sir." In 1979, he received another honor: he was appointed a Commander of the Dutch Order of Orange Nassau, an award from the Netherlands.

Important Roles and Connections

Sir David Orr held many important positions:

• Chancellor of Queen's University, Belfast
• President of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
• President of the College of Speech Therapists
• Governor of the London School of Economics
• Chairman of the British Council (from 1985 to 1992)
• Co-Chair of the Anglo-Irish Encounter, a group that promoted understanding between Britain and Ireland.

Sports and Personal Life

Beyond his business and public service, David Orr was a keen sportsman. He was a boxer and a rugby player. In London, he played rugby for London Irish and was even the team captain in 1951-52. He also had a trial to play for the national Ireland rugby team.

In 1949, he married Phoebe Davis. They had three daughters, all of whom were still alive when Sir David passed away in 2008 at the age of 85.