Peter Richard Michael Williams (born June 1974) is a British businessman, the co-founder, former co-owner and ex-CEO of the clothing brand Jack Wills.
Peter Williams | |
|---|---|
| Born | Peter Richard Michael Williams June 1974 (age 49) |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | King Edward's School, Birmingham |
| Alma mater | University College London |
| Known for | co-founder and 52% owner, Jack Wills |
| Title | CEO, Jack Wills |
| Spouse | Laura Jane Williams |
Early life edit
Peter Williams was born in June 1974.[1] He was educated at King Edward's School, Birmingham, where he was school captain, followed by a bachelor's degree in economics from University College London.[2]
Career edit
Peter Williams and Robert Shaw founded Jack Wills in 1999.[3][4] Williams was 23 when the first store opened at 22 Fore Street, Salcombe and it was created with £40,000 – the founders slept above the shop.[5] The brand was named after his grandfather, Jack Williams.[6]
In 2012, Williams debuted on the Sunday Times Rich List, with an estimated worth of £200 million ($326 million).[7]
In October 2016, Williams and private equity firm BlueGem became the joint owners, after long-standing investor Inflexion sold out after nine years.[8] Williams owned 52% of the company,[6] but ceased to have any role in the business following its collapse in 2019, which led to a buyout of the brand by Sport Direct (now Frasers Group).[9]
Personal life edit
Williams has known his wife, Laura Jane Williams, since he was 12 years old.[10][11][1]
References edit
- ^ a b "JACK WILLS LIMITED - Officers (free information from Companies House)". Beta.companieshouse.gov.uk. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
- ^ "Peter Williams, the founder and CEO of Jack Wills | Economics Department". Economics.kehsblogs.net. 26 March 2013. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
- ^ Vernon, Polly (9 May 2010). "Jack Wills: The Sloane Ranger Rides Again". The Observer. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
- ^ Bergin, Olivia (31 March 2010). "Jack Wills to open flagship store in Covent Garden". The Daily Telegraph. London. Archived from the original on 6 April 2010. Retrieved 5 May 2010.
- ^ Kuchler, Hannah (31 May 2010). "Business Diary: Peter Williams, Jack Wills". Financial Times. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
- ^ a b Zoe Wood (26 June 2016). "Jack Wills may seek further investment as backer looks to pull out | Business". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
- ^ Samantha Conti (30 April 2012). "Fashion Figures Make London Rich List 2012". Wwd.com. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
- ^ Ben Marlow (1 October 2016). "Liberty owner in Jack Wills buyout with chain's founder". Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
- ^ Davies, Rob (5 August 2019). "Sports Direct rescues Jack Wills and adds it to its high-street empire". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
- ^ Julia Werdigier (1 July 2012). "With the Eagerness of Youth". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
- ^ Vandevelde, Mark (13 January 2017). "Peter Williams of Jack Wills on the joy he gets from ploughing". Financial Times. Retrieved 16 March 2017. (subscription required)