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Mradul Sharma

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  • Published: Aug 25 2025 05:43 PM
  • Last Updated: Aug 25 2025 06:47 PM

Explore Phil Kirk’s net worth 2025, career in energy, Chesterfield FC ownership, income sources, assets, and his legacy after passing at 59.


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Phil Kirk’s death at the age of 59 in August 2025 sent shock waves rippling through both the business community and the football world. Nevertheless, whilst he will be missed many will be wondering: what did he actually achieve in life and, in particular, how wealthy was he? From co-founding Chrysaor and moving to Harbour Energy, to investing with enthusiasm in Chesterfield FC, Kirk built wealth through steady growth. His estimated wealth of £45–£60 million at the time of his death is about more than materialistic success, it is a tale of aspiration, vision and commitment that will continue to reverberate. In this article we outline the way he made his wealth, year-by-year, consider his principal wealth, and reflect on the legacy he leaves.

Who Is Phil Kirk?

Phil Kirk was an established British businessman, and energy executive, and part-owner of a football club. He made his name in the UK energy sector emphatically as a co-founder of Chrysaor and subsequently President & CEO Europe of Harbour Energy. He gained the respect of football fans, too, when he and his brother Ashley became part-owners of Chesterfield FC.

Kirk was recognized not just for his business contributions but his belief in community-driven sports. He died suddenly in August 2025, leaving behind mourning communities of both the energy sector as well as football entrenched in Kirk's vision of leadership.

Phil Kirk

Phil Kirk Biography

Category

Details

Full Name

Phil Kirk

Date of Birth

May 1966

Date of Death

August 2025 (announcement on 25 August)

Age

59 years

Birthplace

United Kingdom

Nationality

British

Profession

Businessman, Energy Executive, Football Club Owner

Education

Geology (specific institution not publicly documented)

Career Start

Early career in oil & gas sector; co-founded Chrysaor in 2007

Major Roles

Co-founder of Chrysaor; President & CEO Europe at Harbour Energy; Co-owner of Chesterfield FC

Achievements

Led Chrysaor's growth, played a pivotal role in Harbour Energy's expansion; instrumental in Chesterfield's return to the EFL

Football Connection

Passionate majority owner of Chesterfield FC, with grassroots involvement and financial backing

Relationship Status

Married (spouse’s name private)

Children

Had children (details kept private)

Estimated Net Worth (2025)

£45–60 million (based on Harbour Energy stake and club investment—public estimate only)

Personality & Legacy

Recognized for humility, community-first attitude, and hands-on leadership

Cancer Diagnosis & Palliative Care

Diagnosed with inoperable cancer in March 2025; entered palliative care in August; passed away later that month

Tributes & Memorial

Widely mourned by fans, colleagues, and the EFL community for his kindness, dedication, and legacy

Phil Kirk Net Worth in 2025: Latest Estimate

Phil Kirk's net worth was estimated between £45 million–£60 million in 2025. Although he has not declared an official figure for public consumption, this figure was based on registered shareholdings and investments. His most significant financial connection was with Harbour Energy, as it is estimated he had 1.4% of this company in his portfolio. This alone could have been valued at about £46m–£55m because the market value for Harbour was between £3.3–£3.9 billion in 2025. He would also have included his football investments, personal investments, and personal assets.

Income Sources in 2025

Phil Kirk had various sources of income, reflecting his career and interests: 

  • Oil & Gas Holdings: The bulk of his wealth was derived from Chrysaor, and after, Harbour Energy where he was prominent.  
  • Football Ownership: He has poured millions of his own into Chesterfield FC so he could try and improve their facilities and operations, but also investments into the club's growth. 
  • Private Assets & Investment: As with most of the high-net-worth individuals, Kirk had some real estate holdings and private investments that helped as well.

Year-by-Year Net Worth Growth

Phil Kirk saw a continuing increase in his wealth during his energy career and into his football business. Below is an approximate illustration of his net worth development:

Year

Estimated Net Worth

Key Highlights

2018

~£20 Million

Chrysaor expanding as a key oil & gas player

2019

~£25 Million

Stronger position in energy sector

2020

~£30 Million

Harbour Energy merger strengthened his stake

2021

~£35 Million

Continued growth from energy business

2022

~£40 Million

Stepped down as President & CEO Europe at Harbour Energy

2023

~£42 Million

Maintained energy holdings, started investing more into Chesterfield FC

2024

~£45–50 Million

Chesterfield FC ownership expanded with new funding

2025

~£45–60 Million

Final estimated net worth at time of passing

Phil Kirk Career Journey

Kirk exemplified both resilience and foresight throughout his career. Working first in energy, he entered the world of football with a leadership role by co-founding Chrysaor, an energy company that turned into one of the UK’s biggest independent oil producers. As a leader at Chrysaor, he made several significant mergers and acquisitions, not least of which was Harbour Energy’s success.

In football, Kirk’s involvement was also visible in a much more hands-on way. As an example, he was very often seen in the stands during matches. Unlike the many absent owners who do not invest their emotions, Kirk was a visible supporter, which enhanced the morale of supporters and supported the players.

Phil Kirk

Assets and Business Ventures

  • Harbour Energy: This was likely his most valuable financial asset. 
  • Chesterfield FC: More than a business to him, this was a labour of love. He and his brother reportedly invested over £3m in the club. 
  • Other Investments: Presumably, the former mayor can be found to own shares in private companies operating in a range of industries, although there are no public records detailing this.

Phil Kirk and Chesterfield FC

Phil Kirk's journey with Chesterfield FC was incredibly powerful and defining in his life. Phil put both time and money into the club, helping them move back to the English Football League. His choice to put a considerable amount of money into the club's facilities was clear evidence of his long-term commitment to the club.

On August 25 2025, the club announced he had died after a short illness. The Chesterfield fans were devastated, with a lot of people here now really looking at everything Phil had achieved and done for the team in a relatively short timeframe. There are questions now about the future of the club but I feel also there is a legacy of community and commitment.

Philanthropy and Community Impact

Through his connections with Chesterfield FC, Kirk in particular valued and supported community-led projects. He has secured a lot of fan ownership and working with the Chesterfield Community Trust, demonstrated to fans and developers that Football is not merely a business for profit, but rather a feeling very much owned by the people that support it.

Comparing to Other Football Owners

In contrast to billionaire Premier League owners, Kirk's wealth was moderate. However, his engagement, as well as willingness to personally invest where required, is what made him stand out. Fans appreciated him because he could easily be seen as personally engaged with his ownership (rather than simply providing the financial muscle) and this investment lent an appropriate human element to an ownership position.

Phil Kirk Family

Phil Kirk was a family man, who valued his family, but kept them largely out of the public eye. The names and details of his spouse or children, are not known publicly, but those who knew him, described him as a devoted family man, and someone who cherished and made time for close relationships, and would choose them instead of publicity.
 
In the aftermath of his tragic and untimely death at the age of 59, the heartfelt messages on social media from colleagues, friends and Chesterfield FC supporters alike, consistently referenced, and evoked the impact of Phil's warmth and generosity — and not just as an executive or owner, but as human being who genuinely cared. Many alluded to the quiet sacrifices he made, and reminded us that he had draw upon the support of his family behind the scenes.

It is anticipated that his family will play a pivotal role in sustaining both the business ethos, and Phil's legacy at Chesterfield FC. For as much as it may be obvious that the Kirk family were out of the limelight, it is evident from the messages received, that the presence of the Kirk family was paramount in shaping the man Phil was — recognized today not just for his achievements, but for the thoughtfulness and humility he reserved for the people closest to him.

Legacy After Death

Phil Kirk’s untimely death at 59 has left a hole. In business, he will always be remembered in history as a spirited leader who played a part in mapping out the UK energy landscape. In football, he will always be remembered as a caring owner, who played a significant role in the club and supporters' lives. The tributes and comments flooded in, signalling his legacy as a sharp businessman and a community man.

Phil Kirk dies

Chesterfield Owner Phil Kirk Dies Aged 59: Here's How!

Source(Image / Thumbnail): www.ft.com

FAQ

Phil Kirk's net worth was estimated at somewhere between £45m-£60m, dominated by his Harbour Energy shares and football investments.

He made his money through Chrysaor, and thus Harbour Energy, and made himself even more by investing in Chesterfield FC.

Yes, Chesterfield FC confirmed that Phil Kirk died on 25 August 2025, aged 59, after a short illness.

Phil Kirk and his brother Ashley committed millions of pounds into Chesterfield FC, public records confirm a minimum of £3 million direct investments.

No, his wealth was many times less than billionaire club owners. However, Phil Kirk's commitment and community element to the club provided him an unparalleled standing in the football ownership ranks.
 

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