Graham Kirkham

$1.00 B

Ranked #1565 in World

About Graham Kirkham

Graham Kirkham, Baron Kirkham, an esteemed English entrepreneur and the visionary behind DFS, a leading sofa retail giant, has made significant contributions to the UK's furniture industry since founding Northern Upholstery in 1969. Born on December 14, 1944, in South Yorkshire and adopted at three weeks old, Kirkham's journey from aspiring RAF pilot to influential businessman showcases his determination and business acumen. After acquiring and rebranding Direct Furnishing Supplies in 1983, he expanded DFS to 63 stores nationwide, employing over 2,000 staff. Despite facing a profit decline in 1998, DFS saw a remarkable recovery with a 79% profit increase by 2000. Kirkham's philanthropic efforts include substantial donations to the Conservative Party and support for various charities, including cancer research and The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. His personal life is marked by a passion for dogs and art, residing in South Yorkshire with his family. Kirkham's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including a knighthood in 1995 and elevation to Life Peer as Baron Kirkham in 1999.

Born

December 14, 1944 in Doncaster, West Riding of Yorkshire, England

Age

81 years

Source Of Wealth

Furniture Retail

Industries

Fashion And Retail

Citizenship

United Kingdom

Residence

Doncaster

Spouse

Pauline Fisher

Children

Graham Kirkham, Baron Kirkham, was born on 14 December 1944 in South Yorkshire, England. He was adopted at three weeks old by Edlington miner Tom Kirkham and his wife Elsie. Kirkham attended Maltby Grammar School and aspired to join the Royal Air Force as a pilot but failed to obtain the required qualifications. He then started his career in a local furniture store.

Graham Kirkham: Family

Graham Kirkham is married to Pauline Fisher, and they have two children. He owns two houses in South Yorkshire, including Cantley Hall, a Grade II*-listed Georgian mansion. Kirkham furnishes his homes with DFS sofas and owns a collection of old master paintings. He is also interested in dogs, owns Dalmatians, and has been involved in dog shows and competitions.

Graham Kirkham: Career Highlights

Kirkham founded Northern Upholstery in 1969 after realizing the potential for direct-to-public furniture sales. He rented a room above a snooker hall in Carcroft to manufacture and retail furniture. In 1983, he acquired Darley Dale-based Direct Furnishing Supplies when it went bankrupt. Kirkham renamed Northern Upholstery to DFS and expanded to 63 stores with 2,000 employees. He floated DFS on the stock market in 1993, valuing the company at £271 million.

DFS experienced a drop in profits in 1998 but rebounded with a 79% profit increase in 2000. Kirkham took the company private again in 2004 through a leveraged buyout led by him and his family. In 2010, he sold DFS to private equity firm Advent International for £500 million.

Graham Kirkham: Companies

Graham Kirkham is the founder of Northern Upholstery and the chairman of sofa retailer DFS. He acquired Direct Furnishing Supplies in 1983 and renamed it DFS.

Graham Kirkham: Major Achievements

Kirkham's major achievements include building DFS into one of the largest furniture retailers in the UK, with over 100 stores and 5,000 employees. He is also known for his significant donations to the Conservative Party and his charitable work.

Graham Kirkham: Awards & Achievements

Kirkham has received numerous awards and honors, including a knighthood in 1995, an Honorary Membership of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, in 1995, an Honorary Fellow of the Animal Health Trust in 1997, an Honorary Doctorate from Bradford University in 1997, and a Life Peerage as Baron Kirkham in 1999.

He was also awarded the CVO (Commander of the Royal Victorian Order) in 2001, the Yorkshire Television accolade of "Yorkshire Man of the Year" in 2004, and the KCVO (Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order) in 2021.

Graham Kirkham: Personal Life & Legacy

Kirkham is known for his philanthropy and has supported various charities, including cancer research at Bradford University and The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) in the UK. He is also the President of The Friendly Band, Sowerby Bridge.

Graham Kirkham: Trivia

Kirkham is a keen dog lover and owns several Dalmatians. He has also been involved in dog shows and competitions.

Wealth History

Timeline

14 December 1944

Graham Kirkham, Baron Kirkham, is born in South Yorkshire, England.

1969

Graham Kirkham founds Northern Upholstery after realizing the potential for direct-to-public furniture sales.

1983

Graham Kirkham acquires Darley Dale-based Direct Furnishing Supplies when it goes bankrupt and renames Northern Upholstery to DFS.

1993

DFS floats on the stock market, valuing the company at £271 million.

1996

Graham Kirkham lends the Conservative Party £4 million interest-free and receives a knighthood in the same year.

1998

DFS experiences a drop in profits but rebounds with a 79% profit increase in 2000.

1998/99

Graham Kirkham allocates grants totaling £455,000 through the Graham Kirkham Foundation.

1999

Graham Kirkham is made a Life Peer as Baron Kirkham.

2004

DFS is taken private again through a leveraged buyout led by Kirkham and his family.

2010

DFS is sold to private equity firm Advent International for £500 million.

2021

Graham Kirkham is awarded the KCVO (Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order).

Graham Kirkham : FAQs

What is Graham Kirkham's net worth?

As of 2014, Graham Kirkham's net worth was $1.00 billion.

What are Graham Kirkham's main sources of wealth?

Graham Kirkham's main source of income comes from Furniture Retail.

In which industry does Graham Kirkham primarily operate?

Graham Kirkham is primarily involved in the Fashion And Retail industry.

How old is Graham Kirkham?

Graham Kirkham is 81 years old.

How many children does Graham Kirkham have?

Graham Kirkham has 2 children.

Who is Graham Kirkham and what is he known for?

Graham Kirkham, Baron Kirkham, is an English businessman renowned for founding Northern Upholstery, which later became the sofa retail giant DFS. He served as the chairman of DFS and is notable for his significant contributions to the Conservative Party and various charitable causes.

How did Graham Kirkham start his career in the furniture industry?

Graham Kirkham began his career in the furniture industry by working in a local furniture store before founding Northern Upholstery in 1969. He started the company by renting a room above a snooker hall in Carcroft to manufacture and retail furniture directly to the public.

What are some key milestones in DFS's history under Graham Kirkham's leadership?

Under Graham Kirkham's leadership, DFS acquired Direct Furnishing Supplies in 1983, expanded to 63 stores with 2,000 employees, floated on the stock market in 1993 with a valuation of £271 million, and was taken private again in 2004 through a leveraged buyout. Kirkham sold DFS to Advent International for £500 million in 2010.

How has Graham Kirkham contributed to charity and public service?

Graham Kirkham has made significant charitable contributions through the Graham Kirkham Foundation, supported cancer research at Bradford University, served as Deputy Patron and board member of Outward Bound trustees, Chairman of Trustees for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) in the UK, and President of The Friendly Band, Sowerby Bridge.

What honors and awards has Graham Kirkham received throughout his career?

Graham Kirkham has been honored with a knighthood in 1995, made a Life Peer as Baron Kirkham in 1999, received honorary memberships and fellowships from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and the Animal Health Trust, an honorary doctorate from Bradford University, and was awarded the CVO in 2001 and KCVO in 2021.