Joe Lewis is a prominent British entrepreneur and financier, whose success is widely recognized. Born on February 5, 1937, his impressive fortune was estimated at £5.096 billion according to the Sunday Times Rich List in 2023, marking a significant increase of £811 million compared to the previous year. One of the most notable aspects of Lewis’s career is his majority ownership of Tottenham Hotspur, a prestigious Premier League club, which further enhances his influence in the professional football scene.
Joe Lewis’s early years were spent in London, in a Jewish family that managed a public house. At the age of 15, he made a decisive decision to leave school and assist his father’s catering business in the West End. This choice revealed his entrepreneurial vision, and Lewis expanded the business by selling luxury goods to American tourists, as well as investing in the club sector.
In the 1980s and 1990s, he entered the foreign exchange market and decided to move to the Bahamas, becoming a tax exile. During this period, he collaborated with George Soros in a highly successful venture: they speculated on the devaluation of the British pound during the notorious event known as Black Wednesday.
In addition to his involvement in the foreign exchange market, Joe Lewis stands out as the main investor in the Tavistock Group, a conglomerate that spans over 200 companies in 15 countries. His business vision also includes a significant interest in real estate development. To support charitable causes, Lewis organized the prestigious Tavistock Cup tournament, and as the owner of three of the participating clubs (Albany, Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, and Isleworth Golf & Country Club), he contributed to raising significant funds.
In summary, Joe Lewis’s trajectory is a story of entrepreneurship, business vision, and notable financial achievements, solidifying his position as one of the most respected entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom. His influence in the business world and the sports scene makes him a prominent figure on the global stage.
Text credits: GOSSIP adapted by Flavio Bergmann
photomontage by Vinícius Pascoal