John Coates (businessman)
John Coates | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth year and age United Kingdom |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, businessman |
| Known for | Co-CEO of bet365, chairman of Stoke City F.C. |
John Fitzgerald Coates (born January 1970) is a British billionaire entrepreneur, serving as joint chief executive officer of the online gambling firm bet365 and holding the position of chairman at Stoke City.
Early life
John Coates, born in January 1970, is the son of Peter Coates, who acts as chairman of Stoke City F.C. and sits on the board of Bet365. He pursued legal studies at Bristol University.
Business career
Initially starting his professional journey in law, Coates transitioned into business after 2001 when he and his sister Denise Coates launched bet365 following the sale of some of their father's betting shops to bookmaker Coral. The siblings jointly lead the UK-based online gambling enterprise as co-CEOs, with John holding a 25% ownership stake. He also played a key role in founding the Bet365 Foundation in 2012, which has contributed £100 million to 20 charitable organizations across the UK supporting diverse initiatives. Although the foundation's assets have grown to £730 million over more than ten years, it has distributed £78 million; as of 2024, a significant portion of funds from Bet365 group entities remains undistributed.
Stoke City
In July 2015, Coates took on the role of vice-chairman at Stoke City, where his father is chairman. By September 2020, he advanced to joint-chairman alongside his father. Following a separation from bet365 in August 2024, Coates assumed full ownership of Stoke City.
Personal life
Coates is married with two children and lives in Stoke-on-Trent.