Sir Donald Henry Trescowthick, AC, KBE (4 December 1930 – 13 August 2024) was an Australian businessman.

Biography

Trescowthick was born on 4 December 1930. His wife, Norma, predeceased him in March 2024. He died on 13 August 2024, at the age of 93.

Business activities

Trescowthick was involved in several Australian business enterprises.

Swann Insurance

With Norman Swann, Trescowthick founded Swann Insurance, which grew to be a major general insurer. Prior to being sold to CGU Insurance, Swann Insurance was Australia's largest privately owned general insurer.

Charles Davis Limited

Trescowthick acquired Charles Davis Limited, a major Tasmanian company which had been established in 1847. Charles Davis grew under Trescowthick's leadership to become at one time Australia's fourth largest retailer, and third largest department store operator. The company was renamed Harris Scarfe Holdings Limited in 1995.

Private business activities

In addition to his involvement in Charles Davis Limited, Trescowthick was involved in several private ventures, including ownership of the Place Arcade in Toorak Village shopping centre in Melbourne Australia.

Community, sporting and charitable activities

Trescowthick was involved in community, sporting and charitable activities during his business career. In particular:

Honours

Trescowthick was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1979 and a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1991. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1991 and received an Australian Sports Medal in 2000.

Sources