Ian Lenagan
Ian Lenagan (born 1946, Scholes, Wigan) is a business entrepreneur. He was the chairman of Wigan Warriors from 2006 to 2023.
Early life
Born in Scholes, Wigan, Lenagan attended St Patrick's Primary School as a child and gained an appreciation for rugby league, playing for the local amateur club also named St Patrick's.
He was educated at West Park Grammar School in St Helens before eventually moving onto university. Lenagan attended both
Career
Workplace Systems
In 1985 Lenagan set up his own business, Workplace Systems, in
A decline in the telephone market saw TeleWare sold off to its management in 2003 and the company change its name to WorkPlace Systems International plc, 49% owned by Ian Lenagan.[2]
In December 2011, Workplace Systems was acquired by a Lloyds Banking Group-backed management buyout, and Lenagan stepped down from his role as chairman, receiving £19m from the buyout.[3]
Theatre producer
Lenagan is also a successful theatre producer, with over 30 productions to his name. His most recent
Rugby league and football clubs
Lenagan is a rugby league fan. In July 2005 he took over as chairman and majority shareholder of Harlequins RL, buying 65% of the shares and also taking a place on the board of directors. He also became a major shareholder in Oxford United, who were controlled by long-time friend Nick Merry. In July 2012 he replaced Kelvin Thomas as chairman of the League Two club.[4] Lenagan sold his interest in Oxford United and left the board in 2016 when he was appointed Chairman of the Football League.[5]
In 2007 it was announced after months of speculation that Lenagan would become the new owner of
On 15 July 2023, it was announced that Lenegan would be resigning as Wigan chairman in November 2023, after 16 years at the club.[7] Professor Chris Brookes (Warriors' club doctor) would take over as the new chairman, with Mike Danson the club's new owner.[8]
Other businesses
Lenagan is also the non-executive chairman and 1% owner of the Sports Café, an expanding chain of sports bars and restaurants. Lenagan has recently started a new business called Animalates, a children's educational exercise club which is expected to be sold as a franchise.[citation needed]
See also
References
- ^ "Factfile - Ian Lenagan". Wigan Warriors official website. 24 October 2007. Retrieved 25 October 2007. [dead link]
- ^ "Company Profile - Workplace International PLC". Workplace Systems International. 25 October 2007. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 25 October 2007.
- ^ "Boss of WorkPlace Systems bags £19 million from buyout". Evening Standard. London. 9 December 2011. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
- ^ "Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas to leave role". BBC Sport. 13 July 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
- ^ "Darryl Increases Shareholding as Ian Lenagan Moves On". Oxford United F.C. 6 June 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
- ^ "Warriors Look to Future Under New Ownership". Wigan Warriors official website. 24 October 2007. Archived from the original on 27 October 2007. Retrieved 25 October 2007.
- ^ "Ian Lenagan: Wigan Warriors chairman to stand down". BBC Sport. 15 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
- ^ "Ian Lenagan to step down as chairman, and shareholder". Wigan Warriors. 15 July 2023.
External links
- Company Profile. WorkPlace Systems plc. Accessed 8 November 2007.
- Board of Directors. WorkPlace Systems plc. Accessed 8 November 2007.