Sir Alec was a remarkable entrepreneur who transformed a £75 investment in 1960, into one of the UK’s largest and most successful private businesses, Reed.
Knighted in 2011 for his services to business and charity, Sir Alec’s contributions extended far beyond the corporate world. He was the driving force behind several charitable initiatives, including the Reed Foundation and Big Give, the UK’s largest match-funding charity. Last Christmas, Big Give raised an extraordinary £44.7 million in just one week, surpassing well-known campaigns like Children in Need and Comic Relief.
James Reed, Sir Alec’s son and our Chairman and CEO of Reed, said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that our company’s Founder and my beloved father has died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.
“In his final days, he told me he had been lucky, had a good life, and was ready to go. Sir Alec was an extraordinary man: my boss, colleague, mentor, and teacher but, above all, my Dad. His passing leaves a huge void, and I will miss him terribly.
“From opening the first Reed office in Hounslow, in 1960, to working tirelessly for 65 years, he never stopped innovating. His vision lives on through our company and the charities he founded.
“It seems entirely appropriate that Sir Alec passed away on Giving Tuesday. If you would like to honour his legacy, you can support this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge, which runs until 9 December 2025 and was a cause close to his heart.”
Sir Alec’s life was defined by his boundless energy, creativity, and generosity. Beyond his business and philanthropic achievements, he was a devoted family man, married to his wife Adrianne for 64 years, and a much-loved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Born in Hounslow in 1934, Sir Alec left school at 16, but went on to earn three honorary doctorates and serve as a professor three times. He was a passionate advocate for the idea that business and charity are intrinsically linked, famously stating:
Without business, there would be no charity, and without charity, what’s the point of business?
In addition to his professional and charitable endeavours, Sir Alec was a farmer, teacher, accomplished painter, and enthusiastic tennis and bridge player.
Sir Alec Reed’s vision, passion, and generosity have left an indelible mark on the world. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all.
Over 1,500 charities are taking part in Big Give’s Christmas Challenge this year, and donations made to any of them before midday on 9 December 2025 via biggive.org will be doubled by Big Give, which has raised over £350 million to date. If you would like to honour Sir Alec’s legacy, you can donate here.