Tony Wilkinson (businessman) explained

Tony Wilkinson
Birth Name:Anthony Harwick Wilkinson
Nationality:British
Occupation:Businessman
Yearsactive:1960–2005
Former co-owner & former chairman of retailer Wilko
Boards:Wilko
Parents:James Kemsey Wilkinson

Anthony Harwick Wilkinson (born April 1937) is a British businessman, who was the co-owner and former chairman of the British high street chain Wilko.

Early life

Anthony Harwick Wilkinson was born in April 1937,[1] the son of Wilko founder James Kemsey Wilkinson and his wife Mary Cooper.[2]

Career

When Tony Wilkinson retired as chairman of Wilko after 45 years in June 2005, he was replaced by his niece, Karin Swann, and his daughter, Lisa Wilkinson.[3] In 2014, Karin Swann sold her family's 50% holding in the business to Lisa Wilkinson.[4]

In May 2019, the Sunday Times Rich List estimated his net worth at £252 million.[5]

Following his retirement and Karin Swann's share sale, daughter Lisa Wilkinson oversaw the Wilko chain's eventual collapse, as it entered administration on 10 August 2023. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) was appointed administrator to the business the same day.[6]

During the administration of the business, it transpired its ownership had taken £77m out of the business in the preceding decade.[7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: WILKO RETAIL LIMITED – Officers (free information from Companies House). beta.companieshouse.gov.uk. 9 September 2016.
  2. Book: Stephen Butt. The History of Leicester in 100 People. 28 May 2016. 30 October 2013. Amberley Publishing Limited. 978-1-4456-1698-8. 118–.
  3. News: Rich List 2013: No.=16 - Tony Wilkinson (£480m). 5 March 2016. Birmingham Post. 3 June 2013.
  4. News: Ruddick. Graham. Wilkinson family split after 84 years in retail. 5 March 2016. The Telegraph. 2 August 2014.
  5. News: Rich List 2019: profiles 553–599=, featuring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas. The Sunday Times. . 2019-05-12. 2019-12-13. en. 0140-0460.
  6. News: Wilko collapses into administration. Retail Gazette. Retail Gazette . 2023-08-10. 2023-08-16. en.
  7. News: Wilko owners took £77m out of business in last decade. Retail Gazette. Retail Gazette . 2023-08-13. 2023-08-16. en.