Mike Ashley

Date of Birth: September 9, 1964

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Biography

Michael James Wallace Ashley, commonly known as Mike Ashley, is a British businessman and retail entrepreneur. Born on September 9, 1964, in Burnham, Buckinghamshire, England, Ashley is the founder and former CEO of the Sports Direct chain of sporting goods stores, which he started in 1982. He has built an extensive retail empire that includes multiple high-street brands and holds significant stakes in several well-known companies. Ashley is known for his unconventional business style and has been a controversial figure in the British retail industry. He gained significant media attention for his ownership of Newcastle United Football Club, a Premier League team, from 2007 to 2021. Despite facing criticism for his management style and business practices, Ashley has remained a prominent figure in the UK’s retail sector. His business ventures extend beyond Sports Direct, encompassing investments in various sectors, including property and fashion. Ashley has been a key player in the retail industry for decades, influencing the market with his aggressive acquisition strategies and cost-cutting measures.

5 Interesting Facts about Mike Ashley

1. Mike Ashley founded Sports Direct in 1982 with a £10,000 loan from his family.

2. He owned Newcastle United Football Club from 2007 until he sold it in October 2021.

3. Ashley is known for his preference for staying out of the public eye, rarely giving interviews.

4. He has a significant portfolio of investments in numerous retail companies, including House of Fraser and Flannels.

5. Ashley has faced multiple controversies and legal battles over working conditions and business practices within his companies.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mike Ashley

1. “We are not going to be broken by these people. We will survive.”

2. “I am not Obi-Wan Kenobi in charge of the Death Star.”

3. “I am not a pantomime villain, despite what people say.”

4. “People have this perception of me as a ruthless, cold-hearted businessman, but it’s not true.”

5. “The retail industry is constantly changing, and you have to adapt to survive.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Mike Ashley’s highest net worth achieved was approximately £2.8 billion ($3.6 billion USD).

Children

Mike Ashley has three children: Anna Ashley, Oliver Ashley, and Matilda Ashley. Anna Ashley has been involved in the family business, and there have been reports of her being groomed to take on a more significant role within the retail empire.