Bill Kenwright, the chairman and former owner of Everton football club and a hugely influential West End producer, has died at the age of 78.
A board member since 1989, Kenwright became Everton’s chairman and majority owner in 2004. In 2016 he oversaw the sale of 49.9 per cent of the club – including half of his own stake – to Farhad Moshiri, who became majority shareholder two years later. Kenwright remained active at the club under Mr Moshiri and was working towards the proposed sale of the Toffees to a new owner, 777 Partners.
Beyond football, Kenwright was a giant of theatre production, best known for the long-running Blood Brothers and the hugely successful Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He also built his own music label, Bill Kenwright Records.
After undergoing surgery to remove a tumour several weeks ago, Kenwright was kept in intensive care, the club revealed at the time, but had returned home to continue his recovery.
In a statement on Tuesday, the club said: “Everton football club is in mourning following the death of chairman Bill Kenwright CBE, who passed away peacefully last night aged 78, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
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