Michael Lee-Chin
Michael Lee-Chin is a globally respected entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist whose life story exemplifies the transformative power of vision, discipline, and purpose. Known for his investment philosophy of “Doing Well, by Doing Good,” Michael has built an extraordinary career at the intersection of financial success and meaningful impact. His story is one of resilience, strategic acumen, and a commitment to uplifting others.
Born in Port Antonio, Jamaica, in 1951, Michael emigrated to Canada in the early 1970s to pursue higher education. He earned a civil engineering degree from McMaster University but discovered a deep interest in finance and investing. Beginning his career as a financial advisor, he rose through the ranks with remarkable speed, quickly establishing a reputation for insight and results.
Michael’s entrepreneurial breakthrough came with the acquisition of a small investment firm, AIC Limited, in 1987. Under his leadership, AIC grew from $800,000 in assets under management to more than $15 billion at its peak, positioning it as one of Canada’s largest privately held mutual fund companies. He then parlayed this success into founding his privately held investment company, Portland Holdings.
Portland Holdings’ investee companies operate in over 20 countries, spanning sectors as diverse as financial services, insurance, tourism, agriculture, consumer goods and services, real estate development, energy, and targeted radionuclide therapy. Portland Holdings’ success is a function of the consistent application and adherence to its investment framework.
Michael is also the founder and owner of Mandeville Private Client Inc., a Canadian investment firm committed to democratizing wealth creation. Mandeville provides individual investors access to private and alternative investments typically reserved for affluent and institutional investors.
His disciplined investment approach is built on five core principles:
- Own a few high-quality businesses
- Understand them thoroughly
- Ensure they are domiciled in strong, long-term growth industries
- Use other people’s money prudently
- Hold them for the long run
These principles have consistently guided his strategic decision-making and underpinned his extraordinary success.
Despite his immense business accomplishments, Michael Lee-Chin is equally recognized for his generous and visionary philanthropy in healthcare, education, and cultural institutions. His $30 million pledge to the Royal Ontario Museum helped fund the creation of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, a bold architectural statement in the heart of Toronto. He has also made substantial contributions to McMaster University, the University of Toronto, and hospitals in both Canada and Jamaica.
Michael’s contributions have earned him numerous honors, including the Order of Ontario, the Order of Jamaica, and several honorary doctorates. He continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and investors through his public speaking, mentorship, and his commitment to developing economic opportunities in underserved regions.
Above all, Michael Lee-Chin exemplifies the idea that financial success and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive. His life’s work stands as a testament to the power of leveraging capital not just for personal gain, but for the greater good.