Jason Gissing
Jason Gissing (born 1970) is one of the founders of Ocado, the largest online supermarket in the world.
Early life
Gissing was born in the UK to an English father and Japanese mother and was educated at Oundle School in Northamptonshire and Worcester College, Oxford University.[1]
Career
After graduating from college, Gissing worked as a bond trader at Goldman Sachs.[2] In January 2000, he started Ocado with two former colleagues from Goldman Sachs, Tim Steiner and Jonathan Faiman.[2][3] He became chief financial officer of the company.[2]
In January 2014, Gissing announced that he would retire in May.[4] On his departure, Ocado had sales of £1 billion and had made its first ever profit.[5] In May 2018 it was announced that Ocado would join the FTSE 100 for the first time, valued at almost £6 billion. It is now the most valuable technology business in the U.K.[6]
Personal life
Gissing is married to former downhill skier Katinka, daughter of the late Arne Naess, Jr.[7] He was famous for leading the first ever Norwegian ascent of Everest and for marrying Diana Ross. They have four children.[7]
References
- "Ocado founder: I was about to get on a plane to Japan". Evening Standard. 2011-03-18. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
- Clark, Piilita (4 February 2014). "Jason Gissing: Banker turned unlikely grocer". Financial Times. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
- "Ocado: facts and figures". 2011-02-01. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
- Farrell, Sean (2014-02-06). "Outgoing Ocado co-founder Jason Gissing sells £15m worth of shares". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
- Farrell, Sean; Butler, Sarah (4 February 2014). "Ocado directors to share £5.5m bonus pot despite widening losses last year". the Guardian. Retrieved 27 January 2018.
- "Ocado moves up to FTSE 100 as M&S avoids relegation". Sky News. Retrieved 30 May 2018.
- ""Lucy Kellaway meets The Man with the Ocado Van"". Financial Times. Retrieved 27 January 2018.