John Timpson (businessman)
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John Timpson | |
|---|---|
 Timpson in 2017 | |
| Born | 24 March 1943 |
| Education | Oundle School |
| Alma mater | University of Nottingham |
| Occupations | Chairman and owner, Timpson |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 5, including Edward and James |
| Relatives | Kathleen Ollerenshaw (aunt) |
Sir William John Anthony Timpson CBE (born 24 March 1943) is a British businessman who is chairman and owner of retailer Timpson.
Timpson was born in 1943,[1] and educated at Oundle School and the University of Nottingham, where he studied Industrial Economics from 1961 to 1964.[2]
Career
Timpson began his career as a management trainee at Clarks, before moving on to become a shoe buyer for his family's business, William Timpson Ltd., in 1965.[1]
He was appointed a director of Timpson in 1968, and remained with the company after his father Anthony was ousted as chairman five years later, at which point it was acquired for £28,600,000 by United Drapery Stores.[3] After leading a management buyout, Timpson was himself installed as the firm's chairman in 1985.[1]
During the EU referendum in 2016, Timpson gave his public support for leaving the EU and stated that it is "a risk worth taking".[4]
Timpson now has a weekly column in The Daily Telegraph and has written several books about his management style. He authored a series of mental health booklets based on his extensive experience of fostering, and on his policy of having recruited many people who have passed through the care and foster home system and the justice system.
According to the Sunday Times Rich List in 2025, Timpson's net worth was estimated to be £400 million.[5]
In February 2026, John was listed on the Sunday Times Tax list with an estimated £86.7 million.[6]
