Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley opened his first sports shop nearing four decades ago, depending on his friends and family for support. Now, the retail entrepreneur has his own family. We’re getting to know his eldest daughter, Anna Ashley.
Mike is set to hand over the reigns of his retail empire to Anna’s fiancé, Michael Murray.
Who is Anna Ashley?
Anna is the eldest daughter of retail tycoon, Mike Ashley, and his ex-wife Linda Ashley.
Anna grew up with two other siblings, a brother and sister named Oliver and Matilda. Her mother, Linda, had another son with businessman Simon Brodin after she and Mike split, meaning that Anna also has a half-brother.
The Sports Direct founder’s daughter is engaged to 31-year-old former nightclub promoter, Michael Murray.
Reportedly, the pair met on holiday in Majorca back in 2011. The couple now live together in a £10.7 million mansion in Belgravia!
Although Anna’s father is a successful figure, she does a pretty good job of keeping herself out of the limelight and headlines.
Mike Ashley hands down empire
In latest revelations, it’s been reported that Mr. Ashley will be stepping down from his position and handing the theoretical reigns over to Murray, Anna’s fiancé.
Michael Murray is currently head of elevation at the retail group, where he is in charge of ‘up-marketing’ the image of the business.
Ashley will remain on the board as an executive director.
Retail tycoon’s other children
As mentioned prior, Mike and Linda Ashley share three children together.
We know that Anna is living it up in Belgravia, but what about Matilda and Oliver?
Ashley’s youngest daughter, Matilda, reportedly launched a cosmetics brand to be sold in her father’s stores. Named Sports FX, the line is catered towards active women. One of the registered slogans for the company reads: “Sweat is Sexy.”
However, 2021 saw the brand’s fifth consecutive year of losses, leading Mike Ashley to pledge financial support for the company for the ‘foreseeable future’.
Oliver (Ollie) Ashley is pretty under the radar, but we do know that he was involved in the Radar Radio station. Unfortunately, that venture lost £2.2million over two years on a turnover of just £53,687.