ENTREPRENEUR | BUSINESS LEADER | PHILANTHROPIST
Steve Rigby
Steve is Co-Chief Executive of Rigby Group – one of the UK’s top ten wholly-owned private companies and a top 500 global family business. Over more than 30 years he has contributed significantly to the growth of the Group, leading and driving its strategic transition from £1.5bn revenue and 4,900 staff to £3.9bn revenue and 9,000 staff.
Today Steve is responsible for leading strategy, finance and investments for the family in both the private and public markets. He sits on the boards of SCC, Rigby Technology Investments, Regional & City Airports, Rigby Real Estate, Eden Hotel Collection, Nuvias Unified Communications, CloudClevr, Infinigate, Resonate and Rigby Group.
He is a strategic investor who has owned and built an array of successful companies. His bold decision-making and long-term vision allow him to build businesses for sustainable growth.
Steve Rigby recognises the UK's immense entrepreneurial potential and is deeply committed to the mission of revitalising its entrepreneurial landscape. Despite the UK's status as a prolific creator of businesses, the number of globally successful companies headquartered here has declined. In 2000, three of the top 15 global companies were UK-based; by 2023, only two UK companies remain in the top 50.
Steve is committed to making the UK the premier location for starting and growing a business. He joined forces with The Entrepreneurs Network to explore how the taxation system can better support UK entrepreneurs, family businesses, and private enterprises. Ultimately the goal of such engagements spearheaded by Steve is to generate more public revenue and foster social good.
OTHER ROLES
Steve is a respected figure in the UK business sector, advocating for conditions to nurture long-term ownership and success of homegrown private companies.
He also recognises the importance of giving back through his significant philanthropic interests.
Deputy Chair of Family Business UK (FBUK)
Chair of UK’s Private Business Commission
Patron of The Entrepreneurs Network
Member of the Wall Street Journal CEO Council
Judge for EY Entrepreneur of the Year
Judge for the World Superyacht Awards
Chair of the Rigby Foundation
Long-term supporter of Place2Be, most recently as Chair of the charity’s development board