Early Life
Peter Woo Kwong-ching was born in Shanghai in 1946 and raised in Hong Kong. He attended St. Stephen's College. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a B.S. in physics and mathematics, where he was senior class president and valedictorian. He then obtained an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Rise to Success
Woo began his career at Chase Manhattan Bank in New York in 1972. In 1975, he joined his wife's family business, becoming chairman of Wheelock and Company Limited and The Wharf (Holdings) Limited. Under his leadership, the companies developed key assets, including the Hong Kong's Cross-Harbour Tunnel and the Star Ferry, while achieving the territory's first A-rated credit from Standard & Poor's. He stepped down from his role in 2015.
Key Business Strategies
Woo's business strategies focused on real estate development, infrastructure, and retail. He oversaw significant holdings in property, telecom, ports, and luxury retail. He also made strategic investments in telecommunications, ports, and retail.
Philanthropy
Woo is dedicated to philanthropy. He founded Project WeCan in 2011 and, with his wife, donated HK$120 million in 1992 to establish a cancer center at Prince of Wales Hospital.