Johnny Hon

Johnny Hon’s Biography

Dr Johnny Hon is a successful Hong Kong businessman and Founder of The Global Group. He is a tech entrepreneur and a pre-eminent figure in the UK horse racing world, disrupting the sport to help it innovate and thrive.

Dr Hon has an uncanny ability to identify, nurture, and enable winners. Using sports analytics to take a calculated risk on an outsider has propelled his success at the Global Group Racing operation, which he has built up at Albert House Stables in Newmarket. This same talent, combined with Johnny's innovative and unconventional approach to business, is at the root of his success as a venture capitalist and founder of the Global Group.

Johnny has a vision for maintaining and enhancing the prestige, competitiveness and sustainability of British racing through his own input and by introducing international owners. With new ideas and a more diverse ownership, he believes that British racing can maintain its global lead with a new generation of fans and owners. Success lies in embracing disruptive innovation – and Johnny believes that with his global business perspective... Dr Johnny Hon is a successful Hong Kong businessman and Founder of The Global Group. He is a tech entrepreneur and a pre-eminent figure in the UK horse racing world, disrupting the sport to help it innovate and thrive.

Dr Hon has an uncanny ability to identify, nurture, and enable winners. Using sports analytics to take a calculated risk on an outsider has propelled his success at the Global Group Racing operation, which he has built up at Albert House Stables in Newmarket. This same talent, combined with Johnny's innovative and unconventional approach to business, is at the root of his success as a venture capitalist and founder of the Global Group.

Johnny has a vision for maintaining and enhancing the prestige, competitiveness and sustainability of British racing through his own input and by introducing international owners. With new ideas and a more diverse ownership, he believes that British racing can maintain its global lead with a new generation of fans and owners. Success lies in embracing disruptive innovation – and Johnny believes that with his global business perspective and credibility in the sport, he can be a catalyst for change.

In recent years, Johnny has focused his investment and business development on the technologies of blockchain, AI and augmented intelligence. The tech sector is an apex for the convergence of globalisation and economic competition.

Johnny is an entrepreneur in philanthropy who has used his success in business as a route to giving back. He has served in senior management and advisory positions for 10 major charities and has funded scholarships, set up numerous foundations and donated to myriad charitable projects. Increasingly, Dr Hon seeks to do more in helping local causes and communities in his adopted second home of East Anglia as an employer, an investor and a philanthropist. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Johnny Hon’s Newsfeed

Horse Trading: Ins and Outs of Racehorse Investing

Owner of Albert House Stables in Newmarket, Dr Johnny Hon, believes racehorse investing can be rewarding, depending on expectations.

Johnny Hon’s Background

The Global Group

Hong Kong, HK

Johnny has built The Global Group into an international corporation with offices in the UK, Hong Kong and China and holds a variety of senior roles in the subsidiary companies. His ventures span diverse areas with a portfolio of companies that range across banking, biotechnology, leisure and entertainment, fintech, financial services, mining, media, property development and sport.

Global Group International Holdings Ltd.

Founder and Chairman Emeritus

Hong Kong, HK

The Global Group International Holdings Ltd. is a venture capital and angel funding business operating as an incubator and accelerator whilst also providing tailored corporate financial services. In recent years, investment and business development have focused on the technologies of blockchain and AI.

Global Group Racing Limited

Executive Chairman

2019 - Present

Newmarket, UK

Johnny sees potential for disruption in British racing. He is passionate about the industry but recognises it faces significant risks to its sustainability and prestige. Despite the best trainers and bloodstock in the world, the levels of prize money are so low in British racing that it risks losing its best talent abroad.

Hon & Co

Founder Chairman, Hon & Co Holdings Limited

2015 - Present

Victoria, SC

Johnny founded Hon & Co and holds senior positions in the subsidiary companies.

SportsSideKick

President

2017 - 2018

London, UK

SportsSideKick uses technology to enable professional sports clubs and teams to engage with fans, offering content and rewards on their platform.

Sotheby's International Realty UK

Vice Chairman

2014 - 2018

London, UK

Sotheby's International Realty UK established their network as a marketing and referral tool for luxury listings and to enable independent real estate companies to connect to the most prestigious clients in the world.

Gate Reality

Executive Chairman

2016 - 2017

London, UK

Gate Reality is a virtual reality production house serving clients across all major platforms and sectors and creating 360° Video, Virtual, and Augmented Reality experiences.

Gate Ventures Plc

Executive Chairman

2015 - 2017

London, UK

Gate Ventures Plc was an investment services business operational in media, entertainment, music, television, theatre, films, animation, e-commerce, fashion retail, and consultancy.

Canton Property Investment Ltd.

Executive Chairman

2009 - 2011

Canton Property Investment Ltd. invested in development firms that build shopping malls in the People's Republic of China and was based in the British Virgin Islands.

Cambridge United Football Club

Vice Chairman

2006 - 2008

Cambridge, UK

Cambridge United Football Club is a professional football club who play their home games at The Abbey Stadium in Cambridge.

Betex Group PLC

Executive Chairman

2005 - 2008

Betex Group plc is a holding company for a portfolio of brands, investing in emerging technologies in growth markets in a number of sectors in mainland China.

ABN AMRO

Private Banker

1998 - 1999

Hong Kong, HK

ABN AMRO is an all-round Dutch bank that offers a full range of products and services to retail, private and corporate clients.

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Johnny Hon’s Gallery

With HRH The Countess of Wessex, in June 2016

With William Sieghart CBE, Chairman of the Somerset House Trust and Diana Spiegelberg, Deputy Director of the Somerset House Trust, in September 2018

With The Lord (Andrew) Lloyd-Webber, musical composer, in May 2016

With HRH The Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton), in June 2016

With His Grace The Duke of Richmond, Lennox and Gordon, Charles Gordon-Lennox, owner of the Goodwood Estate and President of the British Automobile Racing Club, in July 2018

Johnny Hon at the McDonald Buchanan House in Newmarket which he sponsors.

Dr Johnny Hon at the Horseracing Museum in Newmarket.

Dr Johnny Hon at the premiere of "Where the Wind Blows"

Dr Hon at University of Hong Kong to celebrate his degree in Buddhism.

Dr Johnny Hon at the Argentina game, World Cup 2022.

Johnny Hon with Global Spectrum, Three-time Winning Racehourse, in Feb 2019

Dr. Johnny Hon collects the trophy after Global Spectrum won The Al Biddah Mile at Al Rayyan Park (Qatar), together with Jockey Gérald Mossé and Trainer Gay Kelleway, in February 2019

With Mr. Edward Yau Tang-wah GBS JP who serves as Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR.

Johnny in May 2021 with Mr. Tang Ping-keung PDSM, the Commissioner of the Hong Kong Police Force.

Dr Hon in September 2020, with the Chief Staff Officer of the Auxiliary Medical Service of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR, Mr. Wong Ying-keung..

Dr Johnny Hon with Mr Tommy Cheung Yu-yan GBS JP, member of Hong Kong Legislative Council July 22

Dr Johnny Hon at the NPP 11th Anniversary celebrations July 22.

Johnny Hon with Chief Executive of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR at the party celebrating the 11th anniversary of the NPP.

Johnny Hon at the 11th Anniversary celebrations of the NPP in July 22.

Board Positions

48 Group Club

Vice President

Dr Hon strives to promote mutually beneficial trade and investment between China and the UK. The 48 Group Club has been fostering trade between the UK and China for over 70 years. International tensions rise and fall, but trade increases understanding, and Johnny lives by the club’s motto "Equality and Mutual Benefit".

Other Business Interests

Consulate of Grenada in Hong Kong

Honorary Consul, Ambassador-at-Large

Hong Kong, HK

Dr. Hon served as Honorary Consul for Grenada in Hong Kong for two terms. The first was from 2006 to 2013, and the second was from 2017 to 2024. He was also the country’s Ambassador-at-Large from 2006 until 2024.

Dr Johnny Hon | International Businessman and Convener

Various

Dr Hon holds official roles with three other governments in addition to Grenada as he continues his life’s work to foster international cooperation and progress through trade, sport and philanthropy.

Previous Board Positions

Rise Art

Non-Executive Director

2017 - 2018

London, UK

Rise Art was created with the goal of championing, showcasing and development of artwork by outstanding emerging and mid-career artists.

Infinity Creative Media

Director

2015 - 2017

Brentford, UK

Infinity Creative Media owns media content and is a principal shareholder in The Wine Show, The Talent Bank, TWS Creative and the TV drama series Ravenmaster.

Creative Financial Technologies PLC

Non-Executive Director

Feb 2008 - Jan 2010

London, UK

Creative Financial Technologies PLC is an investment company engaging with companies in the financial services and technology sectors.

Global Education Group Plc

Non-Executive Chairman

Jun 2005 - Nov 2009

London, UK

Global Education Group Plc is an investment and consultancy firm focused on the international education markets.

Central China Goldfields plc

Non-Executive Director

2006 - 2008

Central China Goldfields plc is focused on mineral exploration and development in China.

KGC Bank

Non-Executive Chairman

2005 - 2008

KGC Bank was a bank in Korea providing retail, private and commercial banking services.

Silverback Media plc

Non-Executive Director

2006 - 2007

London, UK

Silverback Media plc was a strategic PR, media and marketing services firm.

Oriental City Group PLC

Non-Executive Chairman

2006 - 2007

Hong Kong, HK

Oriental City Group PLC is a financial services institution specialising in the provision of payment services and credit cards.

Centurion Sports Limited

Director

2000 - 2001

Global Financial Solution Limited

Director

1997 - 1998

London, UK

Global Financial Solution Ltd is a firm made up of Accountants, Business Consultants and Financial Advisers for business and personal clients who expect the highest level of financial services.

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Previous Advisory Roles

MX Oil Plc

Consultant

2016 - 2018

MX Oil Plc (now ADM Energy Plc) is an investment business with its focus on natural resources, minerals, metals, alongside oil and gas projects, particularly in Nigeria.

Broad Homes Industrial International Co. Limited

Senior Consultant

2014 - 2018

Hong Kong, HK

Broad Homes Industrial International Co. Ltd offers technical services and consulting as the leading enterprise in the area of precast concrete manufacturing and construction.

Rise Art

Advisory Board Member

2016 - 2017

London, UK

The Rise team collaborates with galleries and museums to provide clients with access to a carefully selected variety of great artwork.

Spyker N.V.

Senior Consultant

2014 - 2017

Zeewolde, NL

Spyker N.V. is a car manufacturer of branded performance-style automobiles.

Pearl Oriental Oil Limited

Senior Consultant

2011 - 2016

Hong Kong, HK

Pearl Oriental Oil Limited, now CHK Oil Limited, is an investment holding company mainly engaging in oil and gas businesses based in Hong Kong and the USA.

Clariden Leu

Senior Consultant, Clariden Leu Asset Management (UK) Ltd.

2007 - 2010

London, UK

Clariden Leu was a Swiss private bank. Credit Suisse merged with Clariden Leu in 2012.

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Philanthropy

Racing Welfare

MacDonald Buchanan House

Dec 2021 - Present

Newmarket, UK

Supported by the charity Racing Welfare, MacDonald Buchanan House provides safe, affordable, supervised accommodation to young and often vulnerable racing staff, and acts as a bridge between racing schools and independent living. Dr Hon has pledged to support the project for three years, enabling the charity to employ a specially trained Housing Support Officer.

Dr Johnny Hon | Philanthropy

Various

Johnny has established and sponsored, actively contributed and donated to a wide variety of charitable interests in a number of different countries. In the UK, the Global Group donated £200,000 to create the Johnny Hon Oxford Scholarship Fund for talented students. In China, Global Group helps children with congenital heart disease and Down’s Syndrome.

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Media

The Finish Line with Johnny Hon

Featured

Apr 2019

Dr Hon is interviewed in The Owner Breeder magazine, the official publication of the Racehorse Owners Association and Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association.

Global Group Founder Johnny Hon dicusses his diverse businesses

Featured

Nov 2018

Hong Kong, HK

The Founder of the Global Group discusses his track record of turning diverse interests into successful investments.

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Interviews

Dr Johnny Hon – The Philanthropist Changing the World for Good

Interviewee

Feb 2023

In this interview Dr Johnny Hon describes how he manages to balance a career in high finance with his commitments to the worlds of politics and charitable giving.

Publications

Lux Magazine

Contributing Editor

London, UK

LUX is a global luxury publication with media sharing stories about people and art, design, architecture, fashion, travel, property, philanthropy and luxury goods, applying an ethos of Responsible Luxury.

Dr Johnny Hon | Publications

Author

Cambridge, UK

Johnny has researched and written extensively about Dementia, Alzheimer's and the prevalence of these diseases in adults with Down's Syndrome.

Memberships

Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments (CISI)

Associate

London, UK

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment is an association for finance professionals around the world. The organisation ensures that all members comply with the codes of conduct and ethical guidelines while working in the securities and investment sectors.

Awards & Recognition

Dr Johnny Hon | Awards

Various

Awards include the The Order of the Medal of Honour (Hong Kong) in 2015 to the latest Auxiliary Medical Service Commanding Officer’s Commendation in Hong Kong in 2021.

Fire Safety Ambassador Honorary Presidents' Association

Chairperson Medal

2016

Hong Kong, HK

The Fire Safety Ambassador Honorary Presidents’ Association (FSAHPAs) relies on local personalities (named as Honorary Presidents) to provide advice on Fire Safety Ambassadors in their areas and mentor them as appropriate.

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Specialist Courses

MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The MIT Media Lab: Cryptocurrency Certificate

2021

Cambridge, MA, USA

MIT seeks to advance knowledge in science and technology through teaching, research, and innovation and, through this, to create a better world. In 2021 Johnny completed an online course on the topic of cryptocurrency.

NYU Stern School of Business

FinTech for Executives Program

2018

New York, NY, USA

New York University's Leonard N. Stern School of Business is one of America's premier management education schools and research centers.

Training & Management Courses

MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Unleashing Brain Power for You and Your People

2021

Cambridge, MA, USA

Johnny was awarded an Executive Education Certificate in Applied Neuroscience at the Sloan School of Management at MIT in 2021.

Harvard Business School Executive Education

Owner / President Management Program (USA)

Cambridge, MA, USA

The Owner / President Management Course is aimed at individuals seeking to develop leadership skills and personal growth whilst working on their strategic vision and go-to-market options.

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Investments

Dr Johnny Hon | Tech

Investor

Johnny focuses his investment and business development on blockchain and AI. As a venture capitalist, he always learning and studied financial technology and cryptocurrencies at MIT and NYU. He understands the transformative impact of these new technologies and invested in the sector with a close interest in how they are shaping financial transactions and the use of big data.