David Hardy (businessman)

Sir David Hardy
Born
David William Hardy

14 July 1930
Died9 April 2020
NationalityBritish
EducationWellington College
OccupationBusinessman
Known forChairman of the Docklands Light Railway, London Docklands Development Corporation and the National Maritime Museum
Spouse
Rosemary Collins
(m. 1957)
Children2
ParentJohn Hardy
RelativesSir Godfrey Collins (father-in-law)

Sir David William Hardy (14 July 1930 – 9 April 2020) was a British businessman.

Early life

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David William Hardy was born on 14 July 1930, the son of Brigadier John Hardy MC, an officer in the King's Own Royal Regiment, who commanded the Nile Valley during the Second World War.[1]

He was educated at Wellington College, which "he greatly disliked", and qualified as a chartered accountant with Hodgson Morris in Liverpool, before completing his national service in Germany with the Royal Horse Artillery.[1]

Career

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Hardy was chairman of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) from 1984 to 1987, and then chairman of the London Docklands Development Corporation from 1987 to 1992.[1] He once had a DLR train reversed in order to pick up the Queen.[2]

He was chairman of the National Maritime Museum from 1995 to 2005.[1]

He was knighted in the 1992 Birthday Honours, for his role as chairman of the London Docklands Development Corporation.[1]

Personal life

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In 1957, he married Rosemary Collins, daughter of Sir Godfrey Collins, who had been chief secretary to the government of Bombay.[1] They had a son and daughter together.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Sir David Hardy, executive who helped to establish London docklands as a commercial force – obituary". The Daily Telegraph. 21 May 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  2. ^ "Sir David Hardy obituary". The Times. 26 May 2020. Retrieved 18 August 2023.