Steve Rigby: The Visionary Co-CEO Driving Rigby Group’s Global Success
Steve Rigby is a name synonymous with visionary leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and the enduring legacy of one of the United Kingdom’s most successful family-owned businesses. As Co-CEO of Rigby Group PLC, Steve stands at the helm of a diversified multinational conglomerate that operates across multiple sectors, from technology to real estate, hospitality to aviation. His commitment to innovation, philanthropy, and sustainable business growth marks him out as a leading figure in the world of private and family business. This article explores the life, career, and achievements of Steve Rigby, highlighting his role within Rigby Group and beyond, while providing insight into his personal life, net worth, and the accolades he has garnered over the years.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Steve Rigby, born in the early 1970s, is the second generation of the Rigby family to lead the business founded by his father, Sir Peter Rigby, in 1975. From a young age, Steve was immersed in the family business environment. He formally joined Rigby Group at the age of 19, quickly gaining experience across various facets of the company. His early exposure to the business’s core operations laid the foundation for his future leadership role, equipping him with a deep understanding of the company’s culture, values, and strategic vision.
Rigby Group PLC: An Overview
The Growth of a Family Empire
Rigby Group PLC started as a modest computer business but has since evolved into a colossal multinational enterprise. Today, the group employs approximately 9,000 people across Europe and boasts an impressive annual revenue exceeding £4 billion. The conglomerate comprises several key divisions, each specialising in different sectors to create a balanced and robust business portfolio.
Key Divisions of Rigby Group
-
SCC (Specialist Computer Centres): Europe’s largest privately-owned IT services company, SCC remains the group’s principal trading arm. It delivers technology services and solutions, with offices not only in the UK but also across France, Spain, Romania, and Vietnam.
-
Rigby Technology Investments: Founded by Steve Rigby himself, this £150 million+ family fund invests in high-growth technology businesses, taking both majority and minority stakes. This division is pivotal to the group’s strategy of innovation and future-proofing.
-
Rigby Real Estate: This division manages a diverse portfolio including commercial, residential, hospitality, and airport assets. Rigby Group owns significant properties surrounding key airports such as Bournemouth, Coventry, Norwich, and Exeter.
-
Regional & City Airports (RCA): A major player in the UK’s regional airport sector, owning and operating several airports including Bournemouth and Coventry.
-
Rigby Hotels: Operating luxury hotel properties across the UK, the hospitality arm complements the group’s diverse holdings.
Steve Rigby’s Leadership Role
Co-CEO of Rigby Group
Steve was appointed Co-CEO in September 2020, sharing leadership with his brother James Rigby, who leads the SCC division. As Co-CEO, Steve is responsible for guiding the group’s overarching strategy, finance, and investment decisions across both public and private markets. His strategic leadership has driven the company’s continued expansion, diversification, and asset growth.
Founder and Entrepreneur
Beyond managing Rigby Group’s established businesses, Steve is a successful entrepreneur in his own right. He founded Rigby & Rigby in 2006, an award-winning ultra-prime property developer based in London. The company is known for its sophisticated architecture and interior design projects, combining technology with aesthetics to deliver luxurious and functional spaces.
Steve has also been involved in building and selling two prominent technology businesses, Nuvias and FluidOne, demonstrating his knack for identifying and nurturing scalable tech ventures. Over the past decade, he has overseen the sale of assets worth approximately £500 million, reflecting his ability to maximise value for the family business.
Honors and Awards
Steve Rigby’s leadership and business acumen have not gone unnoticed. Over recent years, he has been recognised with numerous prestigious awards:
-
Leader of the Year (2022): Awarded three times by the International Business Awards, UK Brilliance Awards, and UK Business Awards.
-
EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist (2021): A testament to his entrepreneurial prowess and innovative vision.
-
Multiple industry accolades for his companies, including awards for customer service, IT financing solutions, and corporate responsibility.
These honours underscore his role as a transformative leader in the UK business landscape.
Steve Rigby’s Personal Life
While Steve Rigby is deeply committed to his professional pursuits, he balances this with a rich family and philanthropic life. He lives between London and the Cotswolds with his wife and their three children. A keen sportsman, Steve enjoys sailing, polo, and tennis, reflecting his active lifestyle outside the boardroom.
Philanthropy is close to his heart. As Chair of the Rigby Foundation, he ensures that the group’s success benefits local communities, particularly in the Midlands, supporting education and health initiatives. Steve also served as Chair of the Development Board for Place2Be, the UK’s leading children’s mental health charity, reinforcing his commitment to social causes.
Net Worth and Wealth
Steve Rigby’s estimated net worth is reported to be around £850 million, a figure derived from his stake in Rigby Group and various business ventures. The combined wealth of the Rigby family, including Steve, his brother James, and their father Sir Peter Rigby, exceeds £1 billion. This substantial wealth is a reflection of decades of strategic growth, investment, and diversification under the Rigby family’s stewardship.
Steve’s lifestyle matches his success, including ownership of a 26-meter superyacht and access to private aviation. His investments and business decisions continue to secure his place among the UK’s wealthiest entrepreneurs.
Rigby Group’s Commitment to Family Business Values
Steve Rigby is also Chair of Family Business UK (FBUK) and the Private Business Commission. In these roles, he champions the interests of family-run enterprises, promoting sustainable growth, governance, and entrepreneurship across the UK. His advocacy work underscores the importance of legacy, responsible leadership, and community engagement in private businesses.
Other Ventures and Board Roles
Steve’s influence extends beyond Rigby Group. He holds board memberships in several group companies such as:
-
Nuvias Unified Communications
-
CloudClevr
-
Infinigate Group
-
Eden Hotel Collection
He also co-chairs Regional & City Airports and is involved in various philanthropic and industry bodies, including the Entrepreneurs Network and the Wall Street Journal CEO Council.
Conclusion
Steve Rigby exemplifies the qualities of a modern business leader—innovative, strategic, and socially conscious. Through his stewardship of Rigby Group PLC, he has propelled a family-founded business into a diversified multinational powerhouse with a global footprint. His entrepreneurial ventures, dedication to philanthropy, and leadership within family business circles make him a significant figure in the UK’s corporate world.
As Rigby Group continues to grow under Steve’s vision, it remains firmly rooted in the values of family, community, and long-term success—principles that ensure the legacy of Sir Peter Rigby lives on through the next generation.
