Mr. Hanson joined Berggruen Holdings in May 2000. Previously, he worked at Hanson PLC (no relation) where he was vice president of acquisitions in the U.S. until 1986. Upon leaving Hanson, he joined a small company listed on the American Stock Exchange as president and grew the company through acquisitions before realizing on the investment. In 1992, Mr. Hanson joined MacAndrews & Forbes where he was involved in a number of M&A transactions, including leading the management buyout of the MasterCraft Boat Company. In 2004 he relocated to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Hanson holds a Masters of Arts from Cambridge University and a Masters of Business Administration from INSEAD. He is currently a director of Hoover Treated Wood Products, Global Supply Chain Finance AG, Celloglas Ltd and IMS AG.