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Don Cummings
Don Cummings: Globe-Trotting Kiwi
Don was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce in 1973 from the University of Auckland. After a brief stint at a local firm, Don followed a well-worn tradition and set off to explore the world. His travels began in South Africa, where he worked for KPMG and played rugby for a local JoBurg club. From there, he went to Europe, supporting himself with short-term accounting gigs in London between travel adventures.
On his way home, stranded in Sydney and short of funds for the last leg, Don took a job with the winemaking affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI). Shortly thereafter, one of the girls in his circle of friends needed a date for a charitable event. The one requirement was that they own a suit. Don, the accountant, was the only one who fit the bill. That distinction sparked a relationship that led to marriage in 1978 and the birth of their son, Daniel, in 1979.
Over the next three decades, Don rose through the corporate ranks, taking the family from Sydney to Hong Kong, New York, and Westport - back to Hong Kong, and finally to Switzerland, where he joined the executive committee of Philip Morris International as VP of Finance, Operations Division. His career offered a front-row seat to history, from the political transformation of post-handover Hong Kong to emerging markets in Central Europe and the former Soviet Union.
Don retired in 2006 at age 55 and returned to Westport, where his son and two grandchildren now also live. He and Mandy maintain an active lifestyle, alternating winters between Australia/New Zealand and South Carolina, traveling extensively with friends worldwide, and staying physically active through tennis, golf, and regular gym visits.
He is excited to join Y’s Men to find fulfilling community service opportunities.
Thank You:
We thank these Y’s Men who have referred new members in the new fiscal year:
Nabil Atweh
Jonathan Horowitz
Dick Kalt
Harvey Luft
Jim Marpe
John Brandt
Sam Mink
Paul Liistrol
Art Levy
Maury Wind
Eugene Shapiro
Evan Mondshine
Stanley Witkow
Doug Weber
Scott Broder
Ray Spring
Allan Siegert
Paco Sabin
Membership Recruitment:
Continued membership growth is crucial for the club’s long-term health and financial stability. Do you have a friend who’d be a good fit? Share the membership application link (click here) with them.
Best to you all,
Harvey
Harvey Luft
Membership Chairman
Y’s Men of Westport/Weston
32 Hidden Meadow Rd.
Weston, CT 06883
(203) 246-6888
Harveyluft@gmail.com
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