Dick DeVos

Biography

Dick DeVos has spent his business career working in a variety of executive positions at Amway, the NBA’s Orlando Magic, and The Windquest Group where he currently serves as its Chairman.

As President of Amway from 1993 to 2002, DeVos held responsibility for all aspects of the company’s operations in 50 countries and six continents. In his final fiscal year of service, Amway reported sales of $4.5 billion. Prior to assuming the Presidency, he served as Vice President – Amway International where he held responsibility for the company’s operations in 18 countries outside North America. Under his leadership, the company opened new markets and tripled international sales to exceed domestic sales for the first time in the company’s history. DeVos became President and CEO of the Orlando Magic when his family acquired the team in 1991, a role he held for three years.

In addition to business roles, DeVos has been a leader in a wide range of community initiatives.  He started the Education Freedom Fund, which awarded more than 4,000 scholarships to underprivileged children in Michigan, the West Michigan Aviation Academy, (a High School that aims to provide a rigorous educational program through an aviation focus), and has served on the State Board of Education. He has led as chair/co-chair various Grand Rapids area downtown revitalization and regional health care improvements including a $75M downtown arena, a $212M convention center, a $130M heart hospital, a $90M medical school and a $30M Downtown Market.  He was the Republican candidate for Governor of Michigan in 2006.  His New York Times best-selling book, “Rediscovering American Values”, was published in 1997 and is available in seven languages.

In 2017, DeVos was appointed to the Federal Aviation Administration’s Management Advisory Council by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao, a role he served until 2020.

DeVos is a two time National Champion sailor, a qualified jet aircraft and helicopter pilot, and a graduate of Northwood University. DeVos has been married to the former Betsy Prince for over 41 years and they now have eight children and eight grandchildren.