David Coe

David Coe (c.1954 – 21 January 2013) was an Australian businessman, best known for being the chairman and managing director of Allco Finance Group.

Career Coe first worked as a lawyer at Mallesons Stephen Jaques during the 1970s, before John Kinghorn, the founder of RAMS Home Loans, asked him to join Allco in 1986. Coe was instrumental in Allco becoming one of the world's biggest providers of finance to the infrastructure and aviation sectors.

Coe became known for his attempted takeovers of successful businesses, and unsuccessfully bid for Qantas Airline for a sum of $11.1 billion in 2006.

Coe resigned as chairman of Allco in early 2008, shortly before the company collapsed under $1.1 billion of debt. Although many described the failure as a result of the 2008 financial crisis, others blamed the group’s complex structure and huge debt levels. After the downfall of Allco, Coe kept a lower profile, but remained involved in various business pursuits.

Coe donated nearly $1 million to the Sydney Children's Hospital and served on the board of the hospital's charity foundation from 1997 to 2009. He was a prominent supporter of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney, and also served on its board.

Death He died on 21 January 2013 of a suspected heart attack while skiing in Aspen, Colorado, USA, and was survived by his wife Michelle and three sons.