Paul’s specialties are knowledge of stadium industry and its key commercial components, including structure and management of content and building, operator, catering and operations agreements. He is chairman of StadiArena, currently involved in stadiums in Ahmedabad, India; Philadelphia USA, new stadiums in China and Bulgaria, and new stadium proposals in the UK.
He is also the senior commercial advisor and managing director of the University & College of Football Business.
One of Europe’s most experienced stadium professionals, Paul’s first stadium project as CEO was the award-winning McAlpine (now John Smith) Stadium in Huddersfield. He quickly moved on to advise many other stadium projects across the UK including the award-winning Reebok Stadium in Bolton and Ricoh Arena in Coventry. He was heavily involved in the commercial development of Wembley Stadium in London as commercial director, KC Stadium, Hull and many others.
His early career was spent as a professional footballer making more than 400 appearances, mostly in the old First Division (now the Premiership). After gaining four England U23 International Cups, two serious leg injuries forced his early retirement at age 32. Following his 16-year sporting career he moved on to gain extensive commercial experience off the pitch.