Hosking was educated at Rugby School and St Catharine's College, Cambridge, where he studied geography.[1] After graduating in 1979, he was a director and portfolio manager with GT Capital Management, dealing in southeast Asian investments.
Hosking was a founding shareholder in Marathon Asset Management, established in 1986.[2] In 2012, Hosking set up Dublin-listed asset manager Hosking & Co.[3] Marathon Asset Management accused Hosking of breaching contractual and fiduciary duties while working there because he discussed plans for a new business with other employees. In 2015, Hosking was ordered to pay £1.38 million in damages, and a further £10.4 million; half of the profits Hosking received for the period between July and December 2012. Hosking unsuccessfully appealed, arguing profit shares could not be forfeited.[4]
In August 2010, Hosking was part of a four-man consortium that bought Crystal Palace out of administration.[6] On 18 December 2015, it was announced that American investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer had bought a major share holding in the club.[7] Whilst Steve Parish continued as chairman alongside Harris and Blitzer, fellow CPFC 2010 investors Browett, Long and Hosking each retained a reduced 8% investment.[8]
The Guardian reports that Hosking held over £100M in investments in fossil fuels in 2024.[9]
In February 2019, Hosking submitted the paperwork to found a new party called Brexit Express, which would welcome Conservative Party MPs unhappy with Theresa May's Brexit plans. At the same time, he launched a public campaign in favour of a no-deal Brexit.[21] Hosking has made major donations to the Brexit Party led by Nigel Farage.[22][23] He became the founding donor to the Reclaim Party led by Laurence Fox.[24][25] In the first quarter of 2021, he gave the Reclaim Party more than £1,000,000 in cash and services.[24] In December 2021, newspapers reported he would continue to fund the Reclaim Party.[26]
Hosking is listed in the Parliamentary register of interests as having donated legal services to Andrew Bridgen to the value of £4,470,576.42 in December 2023, "the costs of which will be repaid to the donor on an interest-free basis."[27]
Personal life
Hosking has been married to Elizabeth since 1993;[28] they co-own Gravetye Manor[10][29] after spending their wedding night there and becoming long-standing guests.[30][31]
References
^"Cambridge University tripos results", The Times, 23 June 1978, p. 6. Retrieved 7 May 2023.