Charles Francis Feeney was an American businessman and philanthropist, best known for co-founding
the Duty Free Shoppers Group, a company that revolutionized the retail industry by introducing duty-
free shopping to international travelers. Feeney was called the "James Bond of Philanthropy" by Forbes magazine for the stealthy and successful manner in which he anonymously donated approximately $8 billion to various charities. Feeney attended Cornell University, where he studied hotel administra... moreCharles Francis Feeney was an American businessman and philanthropist, best known for co-founding
the Duty Free Shoppers Group, a company that revolutionized the retail industry by introducing duty-
free shopping to international travelers. Feeney was called the "James Bond of Philanthropy" by Forbes magazine for the stealthy and successful manner in which he anonymously donated approximately $8 billion to various charities. Feeney attended Cornell University, where he studied hotel administration. During his time at Cornell, Feeney met Robert Warren Miller, and together they formed a lifelong partnership in business ventures. In 1960, Feeney and Miller established Duty Free Shoppers (DFS) in
Hong Kong. Under Feeney's leadership, DFS grew rapidly and became a global leader in the duty-free
retail industry. The company expanded its operations to airports around the world, capitalizing on the
increasing popularity of international travel. Despite his immense wealth, Feeney lived a modest and
frugal lifestyle. He believed in "giving while living" and made it his mission to give away his fortune during his lifetime. In 1982, he established The Atlantic Philanthropies, a foundation dedicated to
supporting various causes such as education, healthcare, human rights, and scientific research. Feeney's legacy as a businessman and philanthropist is one of extraordinary generosity and selflessness.
