Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Paul Kemsley

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 25, 2026

How Paul Kemsley built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Paul Kemsley is a British businessman, property developer, and television personality. He gained prominence through his appearances on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alongside his wife, Dorit Kemsley. Before his reality TV fame, Kemsley held significant positions in the sports world, including serving as the Vice-Chairman of Tottenham Hotspur, a Premier League football club. He was also the chairman of the revived New York Cosmos. His career spans both the business and entertainment sectors.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1984: Started Working at Gross Fine

In 1984, at the age of 17, Kemsley left school and began working at Gross Fine as a junior surveyor.

1985: Joined Ross Jaye

In 1985, Kemsley started working as an agent at the commercial real-estate firm Ross Jaye.

1992: Joined Sports Direct

In 1992, Kemsley left Ross Jaye to join his friend Ashley at Sports Direct, where he contributed to the group's expansion.

1995: Established Rock Joint Ventures Ltd

In 1995, Kemsley started his own property and securities company called Rock Joint Ventures Ltd with Joe Lewis and Daniel Levy.

2001: Director of Spurs

From 2001, Kemsley was a director of Spurs.

2004: Sold Share in Countryside Properties plc

In 2004, Rock Joint Ventures Ltd, sold its 28% share in Countryside Properties plc to the chairman for a profit of £12 million.

2005: Appearance on The Apprentice

From 2005, Kemsley appeared as one of Lord Sugar's interviewer/advisors on the UK BBC edition of "The Apprentice".

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May 2006: Bought office block in City of London

In May 2006, Kemsley bought an office block in the City of London for £40 million and sold it within five months for £72 million.

2006: Director of Spurs

Through 2006, Kemsley was a director of Spurs.

2007: Rock's property portfolio valued at £750 million

By 2007, Rock's property portfolio was valued at £750 million and Joe Lewis parted from the company around that time. It set up a joint venture with HBOS to build a £1bn property portfolio.

2007: Resigned from Spurs

In 2007, Kemsley resigned as Vice-Chairman of Tottenham Hotspur to focus on his property interests in the United States.

2008: Appearance on The Apprentice

Through 2008, Kemsley appeared as one of Lord Sugar's interviewer/advisors on the UK BBC edition of "The Apprentice".

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2010: Led relaunch of New York Cosmos

In 2010, Kemsley led a relaunch of the New York Cosmos soccer club, and signed a merchandising deal with Umbro.

January 2011: Appointed Eric Cantona as Director of Soccer

In January 2011, Kemsley appointed former Manchester United player Eric Cantona as Director of Soccer for the New York Cosmos.

2016: Appearance on 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills'

In 2016, Paul Kemsley started regularly appearing on the American reality television show "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" alongside his ex-wife Dorit Kemsley.

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