David Harilela

The CEO of the David Harilela Group and the director of Harilela Hotels speaks to Tatler about his legacy, how he celebrated closing his first deal and the weight of the Harilela name

- Tara Sobti

It’s been said that your father, the late George Harilela, gave you a US$3 monthly allowance. How did that impact your determination and drive to succeed?

I was in high school at the time and it wasn’t even enough money for me to pick up a date. I’ve seen my father work from scratch and I idolised him. I didn’t mind it. I had a driver, car, food and I was pampered. But it made me think about how to make my father’s life easier. My whole life, I’ve been very independent. I went to study business at the University of Southern Carolina and was the first person to go to university in my family. I thank him for these lessons. I always taught my kids that they need to sustain themselves. I have always tried to prove to my father that I could be at least half the man he was, because he was totally self-made.

You’re considered an expert in the licensing world and have worked with companies like Disney and Warner. How did you first get into this line of work?

I was in trading first and I always wanted to add creativity and value. I partnered with an Australian company and we owned many notable Disney licences. The biggest licence we ever got was for the World Cup in 1994 in the US. We created a store with 250 items. You could buy a towel, a stuffed toy or a soccer ball. It was challenging and a lot of fun.

Was the dream always to join the family business?