Roger Devlin | Official Profile on The Marque

Roger Devlin’s Biography

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Roger Devlin is Chairman of Persimmon PLC, the largest housebuilder in Britain and a FTSE 100 company.

Previously Roger has served as Chairman of William Hill, Marstons, and Gamesys. He has also held various private equity Chairmanships including Venere (Advent, sold to Expedia), Traveljigsaw (Isis, sold to Priceline) and Principal Hotels (Permira, sold to Starwood).

In an executive capacity, Roger worked for Hill Samuel and Hilton/Ladbrokes.

In 2012 Roger was appointed as the first Senior Independent Director of the Football Association, a post he held until 2019.

Roger wrote and produced Breaking the Bank, a feature film starring Kelsey Grammer and Tamsin Grieg which was nominated for best UK comedy in 2015.

Roger Devlin is currently Chair of Sunningdale Golf Club and owns and breeds racehorses, including Pyledriver, who won the 2022 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

He sits on the board of The Sutton Trust, a charity that tries to address inequality and fights for social mobility.

Roger was educated at Manchester Grammar School and Wadham College... Roger Devlin is Chairman of Persimmon PLC, the largest housebuilder in Britain and a FTSE 100 company.

Previously Roger has served as Chairman of William Hill, Marstons, and Gamesys. He has also held various private equity Chairmanships including Venere (Advent, sold to Expedia), Traveljigsaw (Isis, sold to Priceline) and Principal Hotels (Permira, sold to Starwood).

In an executive capacity, Roger worked for Hill Samuel and Hilton/Ladbrokes.

In 2012 Roger was appointed as the first Senior Independent Director of the Football Association, a post he held until 2019.

Roger wrote and produced Breaking the Bank, a feature film starring Kelsey Grammer and Tamsin Grieg which was nominated for best UK comedy in 2015.

Roger Devlin is currently Chair of Sunningdale Golf Club and owns and breeds racehorses, including Pyledriver, who won the 2022 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

He sits on the board of The Sutton Trust, a charity that tries to address inequality and fights for social mobility.

Roger was educated at Manchester Grammar School and Wadham College Oxford. He is married with two daughters. moreless

Roger Devlin’s Newsfeed

Racing Post

Group 1-winning owners reveal 'deep concern' over impact of affordability checks

Roger Devlin, co-owner-breeder of Pyledriver, winner of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, described affordability checks as "a very serious issue".

Roger Devlin’s Background

Persimmon

Chairman

Jun 2018 - Present

London, UK

With headquarters in York, the Persimmon Group operates from 30 regional UK offices. The Group trades under the brand names of Persimmon Homes, Charles Church and Westbury Partnerships, and builds homes across England, Wales and Scotland.

William Hill PLC

Chairman

Feb 2018 - Apr 2021

William Hill PLC was one of the largest betting and gaming companies in the world and employed more than 12,500 people. It was founded in the UK in 1934 and the company was listed on the London Stock Exchange. In 2020 the company agreed to be taken over by Caesars Entertainment and in April 2021 William Hill was delisted from the LSE.

Marston's PLC

Chairman

Sep 2013 - May 2018

Wolverhampton, UK

Marston’s employ around 14,000 people and are one of the country’s top pub businesses and the leading brewer of premium cask and bottled beers.

Porthaven

Chairman

Jan 2012 - Nov 2017

London, UK

Porthaven is an independent care home company building and operating 17 care homes.

The Hilton Group

Corporate Development Director

1993 - 2008

London, UK

Hill Samuel

1978 - 1992

Hill Samuel was a leading British merchant bank and financial services company. In 1987 the firm was taken over by TSB, one of the UK’s largest retails banks at the time.

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Other Business Interests

Sunningdale Golf Club

Chairman

Sunningdale Golf Club was founded in 1900 and is located in the country of Berkshire, approximately 30 miles from London. It has two eighteen-hole golf courses and has hosted many prestigious golf tournaments.

Previous Board Positions

The R&A

Chairman, Business Committee

Saint Andrews, UK

The R&A was founded in 2004 to support activities which benefit golf. It is distinct from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

The Football Association

Senior Independent Director

Jan 2012 - May 2019

London, UK

The Football Association, known as the FA, is the governing body of association football in England and the Crown dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. Formed in 1863, it is the oldest football association in the world and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the amateur and professional game in its territory.

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Philanthropy

The Sutton Trust

Board Member

London, UK

The Sutton Trust was founded by Sir Peter Lampl in 1997 to improve the educational opportunities and life chances of disadvantaged young people in Britain.

Media

Breaking the Bank

Writer, producer & financier

2015

London, UK

Breaking the Bank is a feature film starring Kelsey Grammer and Tamsin Greig.

Memberships

The Racehorse Owners Association

Member

London, UK

The Racehorse Owners Association promotes and protects the interests of racehorse owners in Great Britain and has a membership of over 8,000. As one of the British Horseracing Authority’s shareholders, it plays a central role in British racing politics and finance.

Roger Devlin’s Education

University of Oxford

MA (hons), Law

1975 - 1978

Manchester Grammar School

1968 - 1975