William Nicholas Jackson (born 21 October 1963) is a British businessman and philanthropist. He is the founder of Bridgepoint Group plc, a listed alternative asset manager headquartered in the United Kingdom. [1] He served as Chairman of Pret A Manger from 2013 to 2018 and has been President of the Board of MotoGP since 2007. [2]
Jackson was born in Macclesfield, Cheshire, on 21 October 1963, to John and Julia Jackson. His father worked in the print industry, and his mother was employed as a radiographer before becoming a farmer. Jackson attended The King’s School in Macclesfield, where he served as school captain. [3] He studied Geography at Exeter College, Oxford, earning a first class degree. [4] In subsequent years, he funded the Jackson Library at Exeter College. [5]
Jackson began his career in the graduate programme at County NatWest, part of the NatWest banking group, where he worked in the private investment division. He was named UK head of NatWest Ventures in 1992 and later co-led a management buyout to establish Bridgepoint Capital (subsequently Bridgepoint Group plc). [6] Jackson served as its Chief Executive from 2001 to 2024. [7] During his tenure, Bridgepoint expanded its operations internationally, eventually listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2021. [8]
Jackson served as Chairman of Pret A Manger alongside CEO Clive Schlee. The company was later sold to JAB Holdings for £1.5 billion. [9]
In 2016, the death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse after eating a Pret product lacking allergen labelling prompted widespread discussion about food safety regulations. The incident contributed to the introduction of “Natasha’s Law,” which mandated clearer labeling for food prepared on-site in the United Kingdom. [10]
Jackson has served as President of MotoGP, the rights holder of the World Championship for motorcycle racing. Bridgepoint acquired MotoGP in 2006 and sold it in 2025 to Liberty Media for a reported €4.2 billion. [2] [11]
Jackson has served on boards of various companies, including British Land plc, where he held the position of Senior Independent Director until 2021, and Berkeley Group plc. [12] [13]
Jackson is the Senior Independent Director of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and serves as Vice President and Chair of Wellington College. [14] He has funded educational and healthcare initiatives, including access-to-education programs and cancer research at institutions such as The Royal Marsden [15] and The Christie Hospital in Manchester.
In 2012 he donated £1.2m to endow in perpetuity a fellowship in History at his alma mater, Exeter College. [16] He is a Bancroft Fellow of Mansfield College, Oxford. [17]
Jackson is married to Janie Blackburn. They have three daughters and reside in Devon.
Jackson was a rugby player at school until a neck injury ended his playing career, after which he began following Manchester City football club. His Who's Who entry lists other his interests as tennis, walking, soccer, architecture and modern art. [18]
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