Simon Rigby
English businessman
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Simon Rigby (December 1961 – 26 August 2020) was an English businessman. At the time of his death he was an active member of over 70 companies.
Simon Rigby | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 1961 |
| Died | 26 August 2020 (aged 58) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Early life and career
Rigby was born in 1961. The son of a farmer and one of six siblings, he grew up in Warton, Lancashire.[1][2]
He graduated from the University of Hull with a degree in economics[3] and began his career on the eastern side of the Pennines, working for Yorkshire Electricity. He bought out the company and formed Spice PLC.[1]
As chief executive officer of Spice, which began with twelve employees, he oversaw the company's record turnover of £400 million with a staff of 4,500. Cinven purchased Spice in 2010 for £450 million.[1]
In 2014, he purchased Preston Guild Hall from Preston City Council for £1.[4] It was returned to the council in 2019 after alleged significant lease agreement breaches.[1]
He saved Lancashire ice-cream purveyors Bonds of Elswick from liquidation in December 2017.[1][2] The same year, he was named Lancastrian of the Year at the Biba Awards.[2][5]
Rigby established The Rigby Organisation, which is headquartered at Whitehills Business Park in Blackpool.
Personal life
Death
Rigby died in 2020, aged 58.[1]