Tom Wagner, co-CEO of Knighthead Capital, was appointed the new chairman of the board after the company recently purchased a sizable stake in Birmingham City.
What you need to know about the American investor is provided here as Wagner will now be leading the Blues.
Tom Wagner: Who is he?
American financier Thomas “Tom” Wagner co-founded Knighthead Capital Management LLC in 2008. He serves as the company’s co-CEO.
Wagner worked as the managing director for the high-yield credit trading desks at Goldman Sachs before he helped found the business. Additionally, he has worked for Ernst & Young and Credit Suisse First Boston in the past.
In 1992, Wagner graduated from Villanova University with a degree in accounting after completing his undergraduate studies there. He earned a Beta Gamma Sigma degree from Columbia Business School in 1999.
Tom Wagner, is he married?
Apparently, Wagner is married. But little is known about his wife because he generally keeps his private life private.
But Wagner claimed that his wife was the one who encouraged him to launch his own business during a guest appearance on Bloomberg’s Masters in Business podcast.
He said, “My wife had a very successful career and was in the business as well.
I used to jokingly say that I had a really valuable safety net at home, which allowed me to take some risks in situations where personal bankruptcy might be less likely.
A key component of being successful in any new endeavor is having a very supportive person in your corner, whether that person is your spouse, significant other, friend, parent, or anyone else.
He also mentioned the two kids they have together.
When did Tom Wagner take over Birmingham City?
On July 13, 2023, Shelby Companies Limited, a UK-based affiliate of Wagner’s Knighthead Capital, formally acquired a 45.64% stake in Birmingham City Limited.
Additionally, the business acquired total authority over and ownership of St. Andrew’s Stadium.
Wagner will have a significant impact on Birmingham City’s day-to-day operations as well as its future as the new chairman of the board.
Wagner pledged in a letter to Blues fans: “SCL is committed to making available the resources, in accordance with EFL guidelines, needed overtime to deliver transformational change for the good of the Club and the benefit of the city of Birmingham.”
“Birmingham is once again on the rise. Young and vibrant, the city is a top choice for businesses big and small looking to take advantage of all it has to offer. It is now time for the football team that bears its name to take the lead and fulfill its responsibility to add value in terms of both money and reputation.”
“We eagerly anticipate our meeting with the City Council to discuss ways in which we can work together for the good of the city, our supporters, and the neighborhood.”
The purchase of Birmingham City is not Wagner’s first sports organization.
Wagner purchased a Major League Pickleball expansion team in October 2022 alongside tennis great Kim Clijsters and NFL legend Tom Brady.
Does Tom Brady own Birmingham City?
Similar to Ryan Reynolds, Tom Brady bought a small stake in Birmingham City. He joined forces with Knighthead Capital to co-own the Blues and hold the position of advisory board chair.
The former player for Birmingham City Football Club will reportedly “work directly with the club’s board and members of the leadership team.”
Brady said, “To be a part of the Blues is a real honor for me. Birmingham City is an iconic club with so much history and passion.”
“Teamwork and tenacity are the foundations of Birmingham City Football Club, and I’m eager to work with the board, management, and players to make our second city club the best there is.”
“I’ve been a part of some amazing teams in my day, and I’m looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham.”
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