Overview
 

Commissioner David S.K. Lee (李兆佳) is a distinguished entrepreneur, business leader, investor, mentor, and philanthropist, widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost Ferrari collectors and a leading figure in the global automotive collector community. He serves as Chairman and CEO of Hing Wa Lee Group, which encompasses Hing Wa Lee Jewelers, HWL Development & Real Estate Holdings Co., Collectible Exotic Motors, and several other enterprises. His organization is a premier authorized dealer of luxury watches and jewelry in the United States, while David maintains a substantial global following across Instagram and YouTube.
 

Early Life and Education
 

Born in Hong Kong, David’s father founded Hing Wa Lee Jewelers in 1965. The family relocated to the United States when David was nine years old. He graduated from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California in 1992.
 

Business Leadership and Expansion
 

Following graduation, David transformed Hing Wa Lee from a wholesale operation into a leading luxury retail destination. Under his leadership, Hing Wa Lee Jewelers became an authorized dealer for more than 25 prestigious brands, including Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Blancpain, Breguet, Piaget, and Hublot.

The company’s flagship showrooms are located in San Gabriel and Walnut, California. In 2024, he expanded with the opening of Larchmont Jewelers in Los Angeles. That same year, the company received WatchPro’s Independent Watch Retailer of the Year—one of the industry’s highest honors. David has also acquired and is developing his fourth location in Laguna Beach, Orange County, anticipated to open in 2027.
 

Real Estate and Investment Portfolio
 

The Hing Wa Lee Group has expanded into significant residential and commercial real estate investments. David’s broader portfolio spans blue-chip collectibles, beverage companies, technology startups, education initiatives, and his luxury lifestyle brand, Monza Design & Fermata wine glasses.

Ferrari Collection and Automotive Influence
 

David’s Ferrari collection, valued at over $300 million, includes more than 30 cars spanning six decades (1962–present). He is the first and only collector to own Ferrari’s “Big Five” modern supercars in both red and yellow.
 

Widely regarded as one of the largest Ferrari collectors in the world, he is also considered a leading figure in the global automotive collector community.
 

His crown jewel is the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Bianco Speciale—the only factory white example—cementing the collection’s status as one of the most significant and recognized globally.
 

Education, Mentorship, and Leadership
 

David has served on the USC Marshall School of Business Board of Advisors for over eight years and actively mentors and guest lectures in entrepreneurship programs.
 

He founded Titan EDUCATION, a leadership organization supporting young entrepreneurs, in collaboration with USC Professor Albert Napoli. A member of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) for more than 18 years, he also serves as Chair of the CEO Club, a Chinese business leadership organization.
 

Public Service and Philanthropy
 

In 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed David to the California Volunteers Commission, promoting service and volunteerism statewide. He previously served on the California Small Business Reform Task Force under Governor Gray Davis.
 

In September 2024, David and his wife Katherine made a $1 million lead gift to support the David and Katherine Lee Home, a family shelter operated by Door of Hope, helping address homelessness in the community.
 

Faith and Personal Values
 

A committed Christian for over 30 years, David considers his faith the foundation of his leadership and personal life. Guided by biblical principles and belief in the Holy Trinity, he views success as a responsibility entrusted to him by God.
 

His faith shapes his commitment to generosity, integrity, mentorship, and service, which he sees as central to his purpose as both a business leader and follower of Christ.
 

Awards and Recognition
 

David has been recognized as WatchPro’s 2024 Independent Retailer of the Year and was named to WatchPro’s Hot 100 list in 2022.
 

Additional honors include:
 

• Top 10 Luxury Retailers in America by Leading Watch Retailers (2022)

• City of San Gabriel Bell Award (2014)

• SGV Reader’s Choice Best Jeweler Award

• Philanthropy Award from Sing Tao Media

• Induction into the USC Entrepreneur Hall of Fame (2014)
   

Personal Interests and Media Presence
 

His passion for collecting extends beyond Ferraris to Ducati motorcycles, fine timepieces, rare wines, and historically significant autographed guitars. He enjoys fine dining, golf, and vintage automobile racing.
 

He has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Jay Leno’s Garage, where he is the most frequent guest collector with 13 appearances. His network includes collaborations and friendships with figures such as Michelle Yeoh, Daniel Wu, Jean Todt, Tommy Lee, DJ Khaled, Offset, Lang Lang, Drake, and Beyoncé.
 

Digital Presence and Creative Projects
 

David’s global digital presence includes more than one million Instagram followers and over 150,000 YouTube subscribers, with total viewership exceeding 200 million views as of 2026.

He executive produced and starred in the award-winning short film NIGHT SHIFT, which has earned over 10 international awards across Los Angeles, New York, Japan, and London, and has been released across digital platforms.