Everton chairman and theatre producer Bill Kenwright dies aged 78
He has been the club's chairman since 2004
Last updated 24th Oct 2023
Everton chairman and theatre producer Bill Kenwright has died at the age of 78.
He recently spent time in intensive care after having a cancerous tumour removed from his liver.
The club has confirmed the sad news:
Mr Kenwright was appointed chairman in 2004 after joining the Board of Directors at Goodison in 1989.
In a statement, Everton FC said:
"Everton’s longest serving chairman for more than a century, Bill Kenwright led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football.
"A lifelong Evertonian, he became a board member on October 23, 1989, and then on Boxing Day 1999 his True Blue Holdings consortium acquired the Club. Initially vice-chairman, he succeeded his close friend Sir Philip Carter as Chair in 2004.
"In his 19 seasons as Chairman, the Club secured 12 top eight finishes, including a top four finish in 2005, a run to the 2009 FA Cup final and European qualification on 6 separate occasions.
"The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him."
His involvement with the club followed a career in the theatre, producing and directing several West End musicals.
Acting legend Sir Ian McKellen is among those paying tribute on social media:
He produced hundreds of shows all over the world and founded a theatre production company.
He also had various stints in Coronation Street as Gordon Clegg, the son of Betty Williams.
Mr Kenwright received an Honorary Fellowship from Liverpool's John Moore's University and became a CBE in the Queen's New Year Honours in 2001.
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