Mark Pears

Mark Andrew Pears (born 1962) is a British billionaire businessman, CEO of the privately held William Pears Group since 1984.

Early life
Mark Andrew Pears was born in 1962, the son of Clive Pears (died 1984) and Clarice Talisman Castle (1933–1999), and the grandson of Bernard Pears. Clarice Talisman Castle was born in and grew up in Lochside Street, Shawlands, Glasgow, the daughter of Abraham Castle, a dealer in electrical and wireless appliances, and his wife Hannah.

He grew up in Hendon and was educated at the City of London School.

Career
The William Pears Group was founded in 1952, by his grandfather Bernard Pears (who changed his name from Schleicher in 1939) and his father Clive Pears, and is run by Mark Pears with his younger brothers Trevor and David.

Mark Pears has run the company since his father died in 1984, when he was aged 21.

In 2014, he had a net worth of £2.1 billion.

Philanthropy
In 1992, he co-founded the Pears Foundation, together with his brothers.The foundation has donated over £450 million to charity since inception. Pears is a trustee of the British Museum.

Personal life
In 1987, he married Debra Groves at the Western Marble Arch Synagogue. They live in Totteridge, London.

Honours
He was awarded a CBE in the 2014 Queen's Birthday Honours, "For services to Business and to Charity".