Pete Winkelman | |
---|---|
Born | 9 November 1957 |
Nationality | British |
Occupation | Property developer, Football club chairman |
Peter Winkelman is currently the chairman of football club Milton Keynes Dons, as well as managing director of the property development consortium Inter MK that was responsible for developing the Denbigh North district of Milton Keynes. The development includes IKEA, Asda and stadium mk (the home stadium of Milton Keynes Dons).
He is noted for his involvement in the decision in 2001 by the directors of Wimbledon Football Club to relocate to Milton Keynes, around 60 miles from their traditional south London base. The club went into administration in 2003, and played their first match in Milton Keynes in September, controlled by the administrator. At the end of the season, the club was bought out by a consortium led by Winkelman, who became the team's chairman. The new board relaunched the club as Milton Keynes Dons FC, also giving the side a new all-white strip and a new badge bearing the year "MMIV" (2004).
His earlier career was in pop music production, as a CBS executive. He is also owner of Linford Manor Studios in Great Linford, Milton Keynes.
On 6 June 2013 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Open University "to mark his contribution to education through the world of professional football".
On 12 November 2015, Milton Keynes Council awarded him the council's highest ceremonial honour, the Freedom of the Borough of Milton Keynes.