Chairman

Simon Burke qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Binder Hamlyn in Dublin in 1980. In 1982 he moved to Coopers & Lybrand in London where he specialised in investigation and corporate recovery work.

In 1987 he joined Virgin Retail Ltd. as Corporate Finance Manager. During his time in Virgin he quickly moved through the ranks holding positions including Managing Director of Virgin Retail, Chief Executive of Virgin Our Price, and finally Chief Executive of Virgin Entertainment Group, a £1bn worldwide retail and cinema business.

In 1999 Simon took the position of Chairman & Chief Executive of Hamleys Plc. Following its sale in 2003 he began working on a number of private equity projects including the proposed takeover of WH Smith Plc.

Since August 2005 he has been Executive Chairman of Superquinn. He also holds the position of Trustee of the National Gallery in London.

Simon has a pilot’s licence and enjoys flying regularly, as well as maintaining an interest in astronomy, music and medieval history.He is also a keen traveller.