Paul Kemsley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Kemsley
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Kemsley in 2016
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| Born | 23 August 1967 |
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| Known for | The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills |
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| Children | 5 |
Paul Zeital Kemsley was born on August 23, 1967. He is an English businessman and a well-known TV personality. Since 2016, he has appeared on the American reality TV show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills with his wife, Dorit Kemsley. He used to be a Vice-Chairman for the Premier League football club Tottenham Hotspur and also led the New York Cosmos soccer team.
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Paul Kemsley's Early Life
Paul went to Atholl School in Rayners Lane, Harrow. When he was 15, he worked on Saturdays at a clothing store. There, he met Mike Ashley, who later started the Sports World equipment store across the street.
Paul Kemsley's Career Journey
Paul left school in 1984 when he was 17. He started working at a company called Gross Fine, learning about property. From 1985 to 1992, he worked as an agent at Ross Jaye, another real estate company. In 1992, he joined his friend Mike Ashley at Sports Direct and helped the company grow.
Starting Rock Joint Ventures
By 1995, Paul wanted to start his own business. He used the £1,800 he had left to create a property and investment company called Rock Joint Ventures Ltd. He started this company with Joe Lewis and Daniel Levy. Rock Joint Ventures bought and sold buildings and land. It also invested in other companies. For example, in 2004, they bought a large share in a company called Countryside Properties and later sold it for a profit of £12 million.
By 2007, Rock's property was worth £750 million. However, during the worldwide financial problems in 2008, Rock Joint Ventures faced difficulties and closed down in June 2009.
Paul was known for being very active in the property business. In one of his most successful deals, he bought an office building in London for £40 million in May 2006. Just five months later, he sold it for £72 million. He also invested successfully in online betting companies. In 2008, his personal wealth was estimated at £180 million.
Working with Tottenham Hotspur
Paul Kemsley was a director at Spurs from 2001 to 2006. He was also the club's Vice-Chairman until he left in 2007. The club announced that he was leaving to focus on his property work in the United States.
Paul Kemsley on The Apprentice
Paul is good friends with famous businessmen like Mike Ashley and Lord Sugar. Because of his friendship with Lord Sugar, Paul helped with the purchase of a large share in Tottenham Hotspur. Later, Paul appeared as one of Lord Sugar's advisors on the UK TV show The Apprentice from 2005 to 2008. He left the show after his company, Rock Joint Ventures, closed.
Leading the New York Cosmos
In 2010, Paul helped restart the New York Cosmos soccer club. As chairman, he was the public face of the club's owners. He signed a deal with sportswear company Umbro and wanted the club to join Major League Soccer. Paul brought in soccer legend Pelé as Honorary President and, in 2011, appointed former Manchester United player Eric Cantona as Director of Soccer. Paul left the club in October 2011.
Managing Legends 10
While working with the Cosmos, Paul became involved with Pelé. Paul and Terry Byrne created a management agency called "Sport 10" (later renamed "Legends 10") to handle Pelé's deals and promotions. Paul remained the CEO of this agency after leaving the Cosmos.
Financial Challenges
In March 2012, Paul Kemsley faced personal financial difficulties. He had debts to several companies and the tax authorities. However, a bank called Barclays continued legal action against him in the United States over a large loan. In March 2013, a US court initially ruled against a request to handle his bankruptcy. However, two months later, the court denied Barclays' claim regarding the loan.
Paul Kemsley's Personal Life
Paul was married to Loretta Kemsley (whose maiden name was Gold). They have three children. In 2007, they lived in Radlett, Hertfordshire, before moving to America. His first wife and children returned to London in 2012.
In March 2015, Paul married Dorit Kemsley (whose maiden name was Lemel) in New York City. They have a son and a daughter together. Dorit Kemsley is a cast member on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, joining the show in its seventh season. Paul and Dorit's family is Jewish. In May 2024, it was announced that Paul and Dorit had separated after nine years of marriage.
