Graham Dowson

Graham Randall Dowson (13 January 1923 – 10 June 2006) was a British business executive best known for being a close association with John Davis at the Rank Organisation.[1]

Dowson was born in Southend, Essex, England on 13 January 1923.[2]

For many years Dowson was Davis' deputy eventually becoming Chief Executive of Rank in 1974.[3][4]

Dowson's appointment led to a power struggle with Rank, acerbated by the fact Dowson refused to marry a close friend of Davis' future wife. This resulted in Dowson being fired from Rank and given a pay out of £150,000. [5][6]

In the 1960s Dowson had been marketing director of Rank for six years before being appointed Davis's assistant in 1967.[7] After leaving Rank Dowson did various jobs, including working for Erskine House and Nimslo.[8][9]

Dowson died on 10 June 2006, at the age of 83.[10][11]

References

  1. ^ Vagg, Stephen (22 August 2025). "Forgotten British Film Studios: The Rank Organisation 1968-1977". Filmink. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  2. ^ The International Who's Who, 1974–75. Europa Publications. 1974. p. 451. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  3. ^ "Tony Williams Interviewed by Andrew Spicer". The Michael Klinger Papers. 18 March 2011.
  4. ^ "New chief executive for Rank Organisation". The Daily Telegraph. 15 February 1974. p. 19.
  5. ^ "CORPORATIONS: Of Board Rooms And Bedrooms". Time. 6 October 1975.
  6. ^ "Rank chief wins fight for power". The Daily Telegraph. 19 September 1975. p. 1.
  7. ^ "He's Rank's no.2". Evening Standard. 11 December 1967. p. 32.
  8. ^ "City Diary". The Daily Telegraph. 26 April 1991. p. 23.
  9. ^ "Bright lights and music for Graham Dawson". Evening Standard. 21 October 1977. p. 51.
  10. ^ "Graham Randall Dowson". Probate Search. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  11. ^ "Graham Randall Dowson b. 1923". GRO Index. Retrieved 20 September 2025.