Two established American businessmen have joined the Peterborough United board of directors
Peterborough United have two new shareholders, investors and board members.
American businessmen Gary Graham and Greg Barr have joined the club as minority shareholders and will work alongside the existing board of directors.
Mr Graham is is CEO and Managing Partner of Lionshead Industries, LLC, a privately held and family-owned collection of diversified businesses in manufacturing, distribution and real estate with 10 plant locations throughout North America.
Prior to the purchase of his first business in 2007, Mr Graham worked in corporate finance for approximately 27 years, serving as Executive Vice President of Middle Market Corporate Banking for the State of Indiana at National City Bank. Mr Graham and his wife Mary have five children – John, Maggie, Jake, Matthew and William – who have all been historically active in football at a competitive level and passionately follow the Posh as a family.
Mr Barr is a founder of private equity firm Silver Oak Partners, where he has co-led the firm over the last 20 years. During that time, the firm has invested in over 40 companies and generated substantial returns for its institutional investors. Before founding Silver Oak, Mr Barr was a partner at another private equity firm and also worked at McKinsey & Company and Goldman Sachs. Mr Barr and his wife Elizabeth have three sons and are all passionate followers of English football and all things Posh.
The new board members, commenting on their investment in Posh, said: "It has been a pleasure and an honour getting to know Darragh MacAnthony, Dawn Gore and Barry Fry as well as the exceptionally strong operating and management team at Peterborough United. Our objective, in addition to providing financial support, is to offer expertise in finance, marketing and strategic development to support the future success of the Posh."
Both newcomers and their families have been regular visitors to Weston Homes Stadium over recent years, attending multiple matches including the club's last two Wembley triumphs, and have developed a strong connection with Posh during that time.
Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony said: "I am delighted to have Gary and Greg join the board and become shareholders in our wonderful football club. They and their lovely families have been to our last two Wembley wins and multiple other matches over the last couple of years, which has resulted in a deep love for our club, now backed up by them joining Iain Crawford as minority owners at PUFC. They are fantastic additions to the strong board of directors we have put together over the last couple of years."
Posh CEO Dawn Gore added: "Over the past couple of years, I've had the opportunity to spend some time with Gary, Greg and their families. Their passion for football, combined with their business backgrounds, will bring real value to Peterborough United and I look forward to working with them and drawing on their expertise."