Graham Kentsley

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Graham Kentsley
Грэм Кентслей[1][2]
Graham Kentsley speaking at Artsloy Festival in Volgograd, 2014.jpg
Graham Kentsley (left) speaking on expert panel of Art Sloy Volgograd Festival, 2014.
Born Graham Kentsley
St Albans, Hertfordshire, England
Residence Gibraltar and Volgograd, Russia
Nationality British
Alma mater Cranfield School of Management
Occupation Entrepreneur, entertainment and film producer,[3] philanthropist
Years active since 1970
Spouse(s) Veronica Nitselia Kentsley (m. 2008, separated)
Website redsquare-plc.com

Graham Kentsley is an entrepreneur, entertainment and film producer and philanthropist.[2] He is the founder of the RedSquare International group, which comprises various leisure companies in the travel, entertainment and aviation sectors trading mainly in Russia and the former Soviet Union.[4] He founded Flight Plan International, a commercial aviation company specialising in VIP chartering, leasing and insuring of aircraft, which was sold to INAir Aviation Services for a reputed €19 million.[5] Translated into Cyrillic, his name 'Грэм Кентслей' is frequently used interchangeably with the original spelling, in Russian and Eastern European lectures, media and events.[1][2][6]

Business career

Kentsley left Marshalswick Boys School at 16. Whilst at school he gained a NASA achievement award in recognition of receiving the Apollo 14 manned mission transmissions via a school-built satellite receiver and parabolic antenna. He went on to study radio telecommunications at Mid Herts College of Further Education, gaining City and Guilds qualifications in microwave and satellite technology. Appointed social secretary, Kentsley was introduced to the entertainment industry, responsible for booking such acts as Vinegar Joe, Al Stewart, Van der Graaf Generator and Chicken Shack during his tenure. In 1972 Kentsley joined the Post Office, later to become British Telecom, as an apprentice specialising in microwave and radio technology.[7]

During this time, Kentsley became the youngest ever licensed entertainment agent in the United Kingdom,[4][7] booking emerging and established talents including The Rolling Stones, The Zombies, ELO and Argent via his GKE Agency. He achieved regional success as he became a renowned DJ and compère, performing locally and presenting a regular slot on local radio. Subsequent cameos in the role followed in both BBC television series Grange Hill and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.[8] As a presenter and performer he is represented by Johnny Mans, known for close work and association with Buddy Greco, Sir Norman Wisdom and Max Bygraves,[9] and frequently performs internationally.[10]

He established record shop No.1 Records in St Albans, specialising in the importation of 12" vinyls.[7] Kentsley was responsible for the installation of the first satellite system in any licensed UK premises, broadcasting Richard Branson's channel MusicBox. He later established one of Europe's first satellite radio stations Supergold,[11] receiving a Satellite Television Technology International award for satellite communication innovation in the process.[7][12]

He was an early pioneer of international chartering of flights to and from Russia and Eastern Europe after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He established the aviation company Flight Plan International, trading in both the sale and lease of aircraft as well as VIP and commercial chartering. In 1992, he started a successful heliskiing operation into Soviet Georgia. In September 1995, Kentsley chartered flights for travelling fans in the UEFA Cup clash between FC Rotor Volgograd and Manchester United which was the first ever direct commercial flight to Volgograd from the United Kingdom.[4] He was also responsible for the first ever charted flight from Moscow to Ibiza. In 1996, he supplied aircraft for German rock band Scorpions' Pure Instinct Tour. In 1997, Kentsley was appointed as business development director for British World Airlines, specialising in oil and mining industries.[13]

File:Graham Kentsley with Fabian Picardo QC.jpg
Graham Kentsley with Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo QC.

Kentsley entered the film industry as executive producer of award-winning psychological thriller The Paddy Lincoln Gang. Supportively investing in the project,[14] as well as performing ambassadorial roles in the UK and Russian premieres.[15][16] He has served on expert boards of both the St Albans Film Festival and Artsloy Festival in Volgograd, Russia since 2014.[17][18] Kentsley is an established lecturer speaking at several prominent universities in Russia, including The Volgograd Institute of Business and The Moscow University of Finance and Law,[1][19] speaking on international business, leisure and entertainment industries, from which he is widely consulted as an expert.[20][21]

In July 2014, Kentsley met with Ambassador of Mongolia to United Kingdom, Tulga Narkhuu at Gibraltar House in Aldwych, London,[22] further establishing his growing diplomatic relationship and advisory role between the two governments. In June 2015, Kentsley appeared on Radio Verulam's Tracks of my Life in a two-part interview outlining his life, career and several influential songs.[23]

Philanthropy and charity work

1999, Kentsley ran the London Marathon sponsoring Whizz-Kidz.

Kentsley is a regular sponsor of The Gorbachev Foundation, raising money in Russia for the charity. In March 2011, he was a VIP guest at Mikhail Gorbachev's 80th birthday event at the Royal Albert Hall, from which proceeds went to both his foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support.[24]

On 30 November 2013, Kentsley presented an evening at the Alban Arena alongside Soulfish and 2-Tone, donating his fee to Teenage Cancer Trust.[25] On 22 November 2014, he compèred an evening at registered charity The Pioneer Club in St Albans,[26] making a guest appearance on Radio Verulam to promote the charitable event.[27]

Honours and awards

In 1970, Kentsley received a congratulatory NASA achievement award in recognition of receiving Apollo mission transmissions.

In 1979, he was awarded the Regional Young Entrepreneur of the Year.[28] In 1985, he gained a STTI (Satellite Television Technology International) Award for satellite communication innovation.[7]

In 1990, Kentsley graduated from the 'Firm-start' program for Young Entrepreneurs at Cranfield School of Management MBA faculty. In 1993, he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in law from Volgograd State University for services to the City of Volgograd.[28]

In 2012, Kentsley was awarded a medal of merit by the Russian aviation authorities for services to the Russian aviation industry, marking a century of Russian flight.

Personal life

Kentsley is married to Russian former child actress Veronika Nitselia Kentsley, separated since 2009.[29] He is a near-fluent Russian speaker.

He is a qualified yachtmaster, with a yacht based in Bulgaria. He has announced his ambitions to be the first skipper of a foreign-flagged yacht to sail up the Volga River in Russia south to north.[4]

He is an aviation enthusiast and has held a private pilot licence and ham radio license. Due to his involvement with Pro Fitness where he partnered with YMCA and Jarvis Hotels he became a qualified Exercise to Music instructor and personal trainer.

Kentsley has built an extensive property portfolio, prominently in Russia and the former Soviet Union, as well as in Europe and Asia.[4] In 2014, he established wine label 'Дom K' or 'Domaine Kentsley' from his own estate in Anjou, France.

References

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  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  27. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  29. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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