Award Founders

The Peninsula Hotels The Hon Sir Michael Kadoorie

Sir Michael Kadoorie

The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie

 

Born in Hong Kong, The Hon. Sir Michael Kadoorie is a passionate enthusiast of all motorcars and an active helicopter pilot. Since the mid-60s, he has taken a special interest in the vintage and early veteran period and has become a caretaker to an eclectic collection spanning a period from 1903 to the present day. Many of these cars have been winners in numerous prestigious events. He much enjoys rallying and participates competitively in historic events.  Amongst his many activities, Michael is Chairman of China Light & Power Holdings Limited and The Hongkong & Shanghai Hotels Company Limited – owner of the prestigious Peninsula Hotels, Quail Lodge and the Quail Event.  He has received a number of international decorations in recognition of his business and charitable work.

 

William E. (Chip) Connor

Chip Connor is an avid vintage car enthusiast and one of the world’s leading collectors. His collection of over 100 automobiles ranges from those of the classic era to 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s sports/racing cars. He is a long time competitor in both modern and vintage racing and is a regular exhibitor and judge at Concours d’Elegance’ around the world including Pebble Beach, The Quail, Cartier Style et Luxe and others. His cars have won over 100 awards over the years, including many Best of Show awards including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.  Chip is a member of FIA Senate and is the Chairman and CEO of William E. Connor & Associates Ltd., one of the world’s largest merchandise sourcing companies, headquartered in Hong Kong with operations across Asia and Europe. He was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan and attended Stanford University and USC in the United States.  He is married to Jacque Beck Connor and is father to 3 sons, Will, Sam, and Ben.

 

Bruce Meyer

A renowned collector of vintage automobiles, motorcycles and historic winning race cars from the 24 Hours of Le Mans to the Bonneville Salt Flats, Bruce is the driving force and Founding Chairman of the Petersen Automobile Museum in Los Angeles, California, where he continues to serve as vice-chairman. Bruce serves on the Board of Directors of the Henry Ford Museum, Mullin Automotive Museum, the Nethercutt Collection and the Steering Committee for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance as well as the LeMay Museum in Tacoma, Washington. He is a founding member of the board and past president of the California Highway Patrol’s 11-99 Foundation where he continues to actively serve as Treasurer.  Bruce is a member of the Bonneville 200MPH Club where he piloted a record run. He has won the prestigious Lee lacocca Award for his dedication to American automotive tradition, the Meguiar’s Award for Collector Car Person of the Year, the Automotive Icon Award by the Petersen Museum as well as induction into three different prestigious automotive Hall of Fames for his tireless dedication to promoting awareness and recognition of American hot rodding and automotive innovation.

 

Christian Philippsen

 

Christian Philippsen is an international consultant specialising in classic cars and automotive design. He is regularly invited to judge at concours all over the world, is a Founding Member of The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Awards, a charter member of the International Chief Judge Advisory Group and has for many years chaired the juries for the Louis Vuitton Classic Awards and for Michelin’s Challenge Bibendum Design Awards. His list of clients includes such names as Christie's, Ferrari, Pininfarina, Renault and more. He is also the former publisher of the respected annual Automobile Year.

 

Discover more about The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award.