History of Paul Kemsley in Timeline

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

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 1967: Paul Kemsley's Birth

In August 1967, Paul Zeital Kemsley was born. He is an English businessman, property developer, and media personality.

Others born on this day/year

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.

2007: Living in Radlett

In 2007, Kemsley was married to Loretta Kemsley, and the couple with their three children were living in Radlett, Hertfordshire.

September 2008: Placed bets on Lehman Brothers

In September 2008, Kemsley placed a series of large bets that Lehman Brothers would recover.

2008: Financial crisis impacts Rock

During the 2008 financial crisis, Rock Joint Ventures experienced difficulties.

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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May 2009: Spreadex Took Legal Action

In May 2009, the spread betting company Spreadex took legal action against Kemsley, claiming that he was liable to pay a margin call of £2 million.

June 2009: Rock Joint Ventures placed into administration

In June 2009, Rock Joint Ventures was placed into administration, ending Kemsley's involvement with the company.

October 2009: PwC sells Rock's major properties

In October 2009, the administrator PwC began selling the major properties of Rock's portfolio, including the Selhurst Park stadium.

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.

March 2012: Filed for Bankruptcy

In March 2012, Kemsley filed for bankruptcy, listing expenses of $34k per month and personal debts ranging from $10M–$50M.

2012: Wife and Children Returned to London

In 2012, Kemsley's wife and children returned to London.

2012: Peter Cummings Fined

In 2012, Peter Cummings, the banker who had promoted the joint investments in Kemsley's portfolio, was fined £500,000 by the FSA.

March 2013: Bankruptcy Court Ruling

In March 2013, the United States Bankruptcy Court initially found against the trustee who had applied for chapter 15 bankruptcy.

March 2015: Married Dorit Lemel

In March 2015, Kemsley married Dorit Kemsley in New York City.

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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