Graham Wood, Chairman, Gateshead FC

Jan 25 2010 By Peter McCusker, The Journal

Third-generation Tyneside boiler-maker Graham Wood built and sold two successful American companies. Now he is pouring his energy and money into his hometown football club, writes Peter McCusker.

CV

1960 – Apprenticeship at Baker Perkins, Hebburn, completed at Northern Welding company in Northampton.

1963 – Planning engineer for CF Ide Engineering (Kingston-upon-Thames) which was subsequently taken over by boiler maker, Trianco Ltd, in 1970. Became works manager of Trianco.

1976 – Works director of Trianco-Redfyre Limited, Sheffield.

1984 – MBO of TRL, became MD.

1984 – Opened USA subsidiary, Trianco Inc.

1989 – Started Trianco-Heatmaker Inc.

1994 – Sold TRL for £14m-plus.

1998 – Sold US company for US $10m.

2003 – Became chairman of Hampton and Richmond Borough FC.

2006 – Chairman Gateshead FC.

2007 – Returned to the North East. Became a director of Sunderland Football Club in 1989 and vice-chairman in 1990. Resigned directorship of Sunderland in 1994