John Wilkinson (entrepreneur)

Dr John Wilkinson OBE was chairman of Salford RLFC between 1982 and 2013. He was born in Walkden, Lancashire, . He previously owned the Cebora steel company, who were the main jersey sponsors of Salford until 2006, when they were replaced by the Trafford Centre (although Cebora remained a minor jersey sponsor for Salford until recent years.)

He was given an OBE in 2005 for Services to the City of Salford and is also a Trustee of the Salfordian Hotel in Southport.

Wilkinson has also been given the Nickname of 'Mr Salford' due to his pride for the city he grew up in. In 2009 Wilkinson received a Dr of Letters at the Lowry, Salford Quays.

A 25th Anniversary celebrating John Wilkinson's time at the club was arranged for the Super League game between Salford and Harlequins RL on 15 June 2007. He remained chairman of the club for 31 years until 2013, which still remains the longest chairmanship of any major sports team around the world.

Upon selling the club to Dr Marwan Koukash in 2013, he now continues to live in Salford with his family and still is an active chairman of his other businesses. He is no longer involved with the new Salford Rugby administration.