Who Is David Sullivan (businessman)? Age, Biography and Wiki
David Sullivan was born on February 5, 1949, making him 76 years old as of 2025. A true Welsh entrepreneur, Sullivan is best known for his vast contributions to the business world, particularly in the publishing and sports sectors. His entrepreneurial journey started with the establishment of adult magazines and pivoted him into successful ventures in various industries, including football, where he co-owns the English Premier League club West Ham United.
For more detailed information, you can visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Billionaire |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1949 |
| Age | 76 Years |
| Birth Place | Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country |
Popularity
David Sullivan (businessman)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details regarding David Sullivan's height and weight are not widely publicized, it is observed that he maintains a respectable physique for his age. He is often described as having a commanding presence, which reflects his assertiveness in business dealings.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, David Sullivan is reportedly single, focusing primarily on his business ventures. In the past, Sullivan has been linked to several relationships but has kept his personal life relatively private. He has children, but details about them are limited as he prefers to keep family matters away from the limelight.
Born in Cardiff, the son of an RAF serviceman, Sullivan grew up in a Penarth council house. When Sullivan was 10 years old, his father was posted to Aden, now in Yemen, where they lived for a year before moving to England to live in Hornchurch, Essex. He attended the Abbs Cross school and gained ten O Levels.
After his family moved to Hertfordshire he attended Watford Grammar School for Boys obtaining three A levels. He then read Economics at Queen Mary College, University of London, narrowly missing a first.
Net Worth and Salary
David Sullivan's net worth is estimated to be around £1 billion in 2025, marking him as one of the wealthiest businessmen in Wales. His fortune comes primarily from his investments in the adult entertainment industry, publishing, and sports. Additionally, his role in West Ham United, along with various other business ventures, contributes significantly to his overall wealth. His salary, derived from his business operations, continues to grow as he expands his portfolio.
In 1982, Sullivan was convicted of living off immoral earnings of prostitutes. He successfully appealed and was released after serving 71 days in prison. Sullivan said that he did not feel embarrassed about the initial source of his early fortunes. "I've made a lot of people happy," he said.
"If I was an arms manufacturer or a cigarette manufacturer, and my products killed millions of my clients, I'd have a bit of doubt about the whole thing. I was a freedom fighter. I believe in the right of adults to make their own decisions".
Career, Business and Investments
Sullivan’s career began in 1970 with the launch of his first adult magazine, which spurred a series of successful business ventures in publishing. His knack for recognizing lucrative opportunities led him to expand into computer games and property investments.
In 2010, he co-purchased West Ham United, enhancing its stature and operational success within the Premier League. Sullivan has continually demonstrated an ability to adapt and thrive in varying market conditions, making him a respected figure across several industries.
He is the chairman and largest single shareholder of Premier League football team West Ham, following the death of business partner David Gold in 2023. The pair were previously joint-chairmen of Birmingham City.
Social Network
David Sullivan maintains a low-profile presence on social media, preferring to remain behind the scenes. His business achievements are featured in various news articles and interviews rather than his personal opinions or activities online. However, the business community often discusses his insightful business strategies and significant contributions to the sports industry.
In 2007, Sullivan expressed his first desire to sell his share in Birmingham City and openly admitted three reasons for a possible departure. "One, the geographical distance. I've said for years the journey to Birmingham is killing me. Two, I think deep down the public have had enough of us.
They think we should have mortgaged our houses to buy more players to compete with Chelsea and Arsenal. The honeymoon is long over and we're at the divorce stage now, unfortunately. And I also feel we've had no support from Birmingham Council."
Education
Details about David Sullivan’s formal education are somewhat sparse. It is widely reported that he left school at an early age to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. His success stems primarily from his business acumen and a keen understanding of market dynamics rather than traditional academic achievements.
On the day the takeover was confirmed, an emotional Sullivan said: "It's going to take time to sink in. We've been wanting to sit here for 20 years and together we owned 27 per cent of the club 22 years ago and it's taken us 22 years to get to where want to be. Both me and David are supporters, I went to university here and I lived in Hornchurch.
David lived 50 yards from the ground for 20 years of his life and played for West Ham's youth team. We just want to be here where we've always wanted to be. There is no other club we would want to be at so for us we have come home and that's what it's all about."
