Nick Politis
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Nicholas George Politis AM |
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|---|---|
| Born |
c. 1942 Kythira, Greece |
| Residence | Sydney, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Other names | The Godfather, Uncle Nick |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | c. 1974–present |
| Known for | First “sponsor” in rugby league |
| Net worth | AUD$594 million |
| Title | AM |
| Awards |
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Nick Politis AM (born Nicholas George Politis in 1942) is an Australian businessman and Chairman of Sydney-based NRL team the Sydney Roosters.
Politis ran and expanded WFM Motors Pty Ltd from March 1974, rebranding its marketing name as "City Ford" and transforming it into one of the largest Ford dealerships in Australia. The business has been sponsors of the Roosters since 1976, when the club set a new precedent of having major sponsors' names appearing on their jerseys - making Politis the first sponsor in rugby league. As controlling shareholder of Australian Health Care Ltd., he was responsible for its failed sorties into the Australian hospital market, including the celebrated LaTrobe Regional Hospital fiasco, where tens of millions were lost in disastrous contract management.
In March 2014, Politis' NGP Investments (No.2) purchased Barloworld's Australian car sales business for A$130 million.
In 2016, Politis sold the site of his Thomson Ford business to property developer Dyldham for an estimated A$70 million.
According to BRW magazine, his wealth as of 2010 was estimated at $182 million. However, as of 2013, it was estimated at more than $200 million, with business turn-over of $4 billion annually. The following year in 2014, BRW released its annual Rich 200 list which listed Politis's wealth at $410 million. In 2016, Politis's wealth was listed at $594 million, thus becoming the 86th wealthiest Australian.
Since 1993 Politis has been the Chairman of the Sydney Roosters' Board of Directors. After the Roosters won the 2002 NRL Grand Final, he joined the players in getting a premiership logo tattooed on his arm. He has been described as being ranked "among the most powerful, influential and ruthless figures in rugby league for almost 40 years" and "affectionately known as 'The Godfather' or 'Uncle Nick'".
He was responsible for getting Sonny Bill Williams to return to rugby league with the Rooster after his 5-year ban from the NRL, for walking-out on the Bulldogs mid-season in 2008, expired in 2013. Politis reportedly made a handshake agreement with Williams to this effect years prior. According to prominent player agent, Sam Ayoub, "there’s no doubt Sonny would not have returned to the NRL if not for Nick Politis." That year, the Roosters achieved the trifecta of winning the minor premiership, NRL premiership and World Club Challenge.
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