KNIGHTHEAD Capital had just acquired a hefty stake in Birmingham City, making its co-CEO Tom Wagner the new chairman of the board.
With Wagner taking the reins of the Blues moving forward, here’s what you need to know about the American financier.
GettyThomas Wagner’s investment firm Knighthead Capital acquired a nearly 50% stake in Birmingham City in July 2023[/caption]
Who is Tom Wagner?
Thomas “Tom” Wagner is an American financier who co-founded Knighthead Capital Management LLC in 2008. He is also the firm’s co-CEO.
Prior to co-founding the company, Wagner worked at Goldman Sachs, where he served as managing director for high-yield credit trading desks. He was also previously employed by Credit Suisse First Boston and Ernst & Young.
Wagner completed his undergraduate studies at Villanova University in 1992 and received a degree in accounting. In 1999, he graduated Beta Gamma Sigma from Columbia Business School.
Is Tom Wagner married?
Wagner is reportedly married.
But since he largely keeps his personal life away from the spotlight, not much is known about his wife.
But in a guest appearance on Bloomberg’s Masters in Business podcast, Wagner said that it was his wife who pushed him to start his own company.
“My wife was in the business as well and had an incredibly successful career,” he shared.
“And so I always joked that I had a really valuable backstop at home, meaning that I had the ability to take some risk where personal bankruptcy was maybe less likely.
“Having somebody in your corner that’s very supportive, whether it’s a spouse or a significant other or friend, parent, whomever, that’s an important element of achieving success in any new venture.”
He also mentioned that they share two kids.
When did Tom Wagner take over Birmingham City?
Shelby Companies Limited, the UK subsidiary of Wagner’s Knighthead Capital, officially acquired a 45.64% ownership of Birmingham City Limited on July 13, 2023.
The company also took complete ownership and control of St. Andrew’s Stadium.
As the new chairman of the board, Wagner will play a big part in the day-to-day management of Birmingham City, as well as reshaping its future.
In a letter to the supporters of the Blues, Wagner wrote: “SCL is committed to making available the resources, in line with EFL guidelines, needed over time to deliver transformational change for the good of the Club and the benefit of the city of Birmingham.”
“Birmingham is on the rise again. The city is young, dynamic and a destination of choice for businesses large and small looking to tap into everything it has to offer.
“It is now time for the football club that carries its name to step forward to play its role in adding both economic and reputational value.
“We look forward to meeting with the City Council to identify ways to partner together for the benefit of the city, our supporters, and the local community.”
Birmingham City isn’t Wagner’s first foray into owning a sports team.
In October 2022, together with NFL legend Tom Brady and tennis icon Kim Clijsters, Wagner bought a Major League Pickleball expansion team.
Does Tom Brady own Birmingham City?
In a move that echoed Ryan Reynolds‘, Tom Brady acquired a minority stake in Birmingham City.
He partnered with Knighthead Capital to take part-ownership of the Blues and become chair of the advisory board.
The football veteran will reportedly be “working directly with the club’s board and members of Birmingham City Football Club’s leadership team”.
“Birmingham City is an iconic club with so much history and passion and to be part of the Blues is a real honour for me,” Brady declared.
“Birmingham City Football Club is built on teamwork and determination and I’m excited to work alongside the board, management and players to make our second city club second to none.
“I’ve been part of some amazing teams in my day, and I’m looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham.”