John Whittaker

$1.50 B

Ranked #1511 in World

About John Whittaker

John Whittaker, the British billionaire behind the Peel Group, has significantly shaped the property landscape in North West England since the 1980s, boasting a net worth of £1.95 billion by 2019. The Bury-born mogul, known for his reticence in the public eye, embarked on his career after a stint at Prior Park College. Whittaker's legacy includes the transformational sale of the Trafford Centre to Intu Properties for £1.6 billion in 2011 and the ambitious Ocean Gateway project aimed at redeveloping the corridor between Liverpool and Salford. Despite his low profile, Whittaker's negotiations steered notable developments like MediaCityUK, firmly establishing him as a pivotal figure in Manchester's business sector. Residing on the Isle of Man, Whittaker, a father of four, balances personal life with his extensive business commitments.

Born

March 14, 1942 in Bury, Lancashire, England

Age

84 years

Source Of Wealth

Real Estate

Industries

Real Estate

Citizenship

United Kingdom

Residence

Isle of Man

Education

Diploma, High School

Spouse

Patricia Whittaker

Children

John Whittaker was born on 14th March 1942 in Bury, Lancashire, England. He was educated at Prior Park College, a Catholic boarding school in Bath, Somerset. During his time there, he considered pursuing a religious vocation and becoming a priest before ultimately deciding to join the family business.

John Whittaker: Family

John Whittaker is married and has four children. He currently resides on the Isle of Man.

John Whittaker: Career Highlights

John Whittaker is the chairman of the Peel Group, a property business primarily investing in North West England. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential business leaders in Greater Manchester and the North West region.

One of his notable career highlights was the battle he fought in the 1980s to take over the Manchester Ship Canal Company. This acquisition led to the development of the Trafford Centre, a renowned shopping and leisure destination.

In 2011, Whittaker sold the Trafford Centre to Capital Shopping Centres (now Intu Properties) for a substantial £1.6 billion. Following this transaction, he became the deputy chairman of CSC but resigned in 2020 when the company went into administration.

Another significant project initiated by Whittaker was the Ocean Gateway project in 2013. This ambitious endeavor aimed to transform industrial land between the Port of Liverpool and Salford Docks into a £50 billion redevelopment.

Whittaker's influence extends beyond the business realm. In 2010, he accompanied the Prime Minister on a trade mission to Beijing, China, with the objective of attracting Chinese businesses to the Manchester development.

John Whittaker: Companies

John Whittaker is the chairman of the Peel Group, a prominent property business with extensive investments in North West England.

John Whittaker: Major Achievements

Whittaker's major achievements include the successful takeover of the Manchester Ship Canal Company, leading to the development of the Trafford Centre, and the initiation of the Ocean Gateway project, a transformative £50 billion redevelopment.

John Whittaker: Awards & Achievements

John Whittaker's contributions to the business community have been widely recognized.

He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2008 for his services to the economy.

John Whittaker: Personal Life & Legacy

Whittaker is known for his private nature and rarely grants interviews. He is regarded as a formidable opponent and a shrewd businessman by industry insiders. His successful endeavors, such as convincing the BBC to move to MediaCityUK in Salford Quays, have generated significant revenue from rent and lease agreements and attracted independent production companies to the area.

John Whittaker: Trivia

John Whittaker's net worth was estimated at £1.95 billion in 2019, according to The Sunday Times Rich List, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the United Kingdom.

Wealth History

Timeline

1942-03-14

John Whittaker is born in Bury, Lancashire, England.

1980s

Whittaker fights a battle to take over the Manchester Ship Canal Company, leading to the development of the Trafford Centre.

2010

Whittaker accompanies the Prime Minister on a trade mission to Beijing, hoping to attract Chinese businesses to the Manchester development.

2011

Whittaker sells the Trafford Centre to Capital Shopping Centres (now Intu Properties) for £1.6 billion.

2013

Whittaker initiates the Ocean Gateway project, aiming to transform industrial land between the Port of Liverpool and Salford Docks into a £50 billion redevelopment.

2020

Whittaker resigns as deputy chairman of CSC after the company's administration.

John Whittaker : FAQs

What is John Whittaker's net worth?

As of 2019, John Whittaker's net worth was $1.50 billion.

What are John Whittaker's main sources of wealth?

John Whittaker's main source of income comes from Real Estate.

In which industry does John Whittaker primarily operate?

John Whittaker is primarily involved in the Real Estate industry.

What is John Whittaker educational background?

John Whittaker holds a Diploma from High School.

How old is John Whittaker?

John Whittaker is 84 years old.

How many children does John Whittaker have?

John Whittaker has 4 children.

Who is John Whittaker and what is he known for?

John Whittaker, born on March 14, 1942, is a British billionaire and the chairman of the Peel Group, a major property investment company primarily focused on North West England. He is celebrated as one of the most influential business figures in Greater Manchester and the North West, with a net worth estimated at £1.95 billion in 2019 according to The Sunday Times Rich List.

What were the significant milestones in John Whittaker's early life?

John Whittaker was born in Bury, Lancashire, England, in 1942 and was educated at Prior Park College, a Catholic boarding school in Bath, Somerset. Before entering the world of business, he considered becoming a priest. Ultimately, he joined his family business, laying the groundwork for his future success in the property industry.

What are some key achievements of the Peel Group under John Whittaker's leadership?

Under John Whittaker's leadership, the Peel Group notably acquired the Manchester Ship Canal Company in the 1980s, which led to the development of the Trafford Centre. Whittaker sold the Trafford Centre to Capital Shopping Centres in 2011 for £1.6 billion. He was a pivotal figure in the initiation of the Ocean Gateway project in 2013, aimed at redeveloping land between the Port of Liverpool and Salford Docks, and played a crucial role in attracting the BBC to move to MediaCityUK in Salford Quays.

How is John Whittaker viewed within the business community?

John Whittaker is known to be publicity-shy, seldom giving interviews, yet is recognized within the business community as a formidable opponent and a highly astute businessman. His strategic decisions, such as convincing the BBC to relocate to MediaCityUK, have solidified his reputation as a visionary leader in the property and business sectors.

Can you share some details about John Whittaker's personal life?

John Whittaker leads a private life residing on the Isle of Man. He is a family man with four children. Despite his significant public profile as a leading business figure, Whittaker maintains a low profile when it comes to his personal life.