Sir William Benjamin Bowring Gammell, commonly known as Sir Bill Gammell, is a distinguished figure whose career spans the worlds of sports and business. Born on December 29, 1952, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Gammell has made significant contributions in both arenas, earning him recognition and honors.
Here you can follow Sir Bill Gammell’s net worth, salary, career earnings, wife, biography, career overview, and more.
About Sir Bill Gammell
Sir William Benjamin Bowring Gammell, commonly known as Sir Bill Gammell, is a multifaceted personality whose life journey encompasses significant achievements in both sports and business.
Born on December 29, 1952, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Gammell’s early life was marked by his education at Fettes College, where he befriended future British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Early Life
Gammell was born in Edinburgh and is the son of an investment banker. He was given the opportunity to join Edinburgh’s Ivory & Sime at a young age when the British Assets Trust was first established.
Gammell went to Fettes College, an independent institution in Edinburgh, where he met future British Prime Minister Tony Blair and debated with him. They continue to be good friends. After Fettes, Gammell enrolled at the University of Stirling and earned a BA in Economics and Accountancy there.
Rugby Career
Gammell’s rugby career is distinguished by his achievements on the field. He played for Edinburgh Wanderers at the club level and represented Edinburgh District in provincial competitions.
His international career began with Scotland ‘B’, facing France ‘B’ in 1976 and 1977. Gammell was then capped for the Scotland senior team in 1977, earning a total of five international caps.
His debut was particularly memorable, scoring two tries against Ireland at Murrayfield. He also scored four tries in a match against Japan in Tokyo in 1977, contributing to a 74–9 victory for Scotland. Unfortunately, his promising rugby career was cut short due to injury.
Business Career
Transitioning from sports to business, Gammell founded Cairn Energy in Edinburgh in 1981. Under his leadership, Cairn Energy made a groundbreaking discovery of significant oil reserves in Rajasthan, India, in 2004, which propelled the company into the FTSE 100.
Gammell’s strategic decisions significantly contributed to Cairn Energy’s success, establishing him as a prominent figure in the oil and gas industry.
He stepped down as Chairman of Cairn Energy in 2014 but continued to influence the business world through various ventures, including serving as a director of Figured Ltd and Chairman of Genius Foods Limited.
Sir Bill Gammell’s Net Worth Details
Bill Gammell’s net worth is estimated to be $50 million as of 2025. Though having a short rugby career, the Scottish man earned the most from the oil and gas industry. He is one of the wealthiest rugby players in the world.
Salary
During his tenure at Cairn Energy, Gammell had a significant salary and earnings. For instance, in 2011, his total remuneration as the Chief Executive Officer of Cairn Energy was $5,200,000, with an annual salary of $730,850.
Upon transitioning to a non-executive chairman, he received a payment of $1,850,000.
Career Earnings
| Year | Category | Description | Amount |
| 2013 | Salary | Total remuneration as a non-executive director of Cairn Energy for the year | $302,610 |
| 2012 | Salary | Total remuneration as a non-executive director of Cairn Energy for the year | $291,040 |
| 2012 | Sale of Asset | Sale of an additional 3.5% of Cairn Energy PLC shares in Cairn India | $360,000,000 |
| 2012 | Earnings | Share bonus from Cairn as a reward for completing the sale of a stake in the company’s Indian assets to Vedanta | $3,310,000 |
| 2011 | Salary | Total remuneration as the Chief Executive Officer of Cairn Energy for the year | $5,200,000 |
| 2011 | Salary | Annual salary as chief executive at Cairn Energy | $730,850 |
| 2011 | Earnings | Payment upon transfer as non-executive chairman | $1,850,000 |
| 2010 | Salary | Total remuneration as the Chief Executive Officer of Cairn Energy for the year | $9,360,000 |
| 2009 | Salary | Total remuneration as the Chief Executive Officer of Cairn Energy for the year | $123,450 |
| 2002 | Asset | Purchase value of Bill Gammell’s drilling rights in Rajasthan, India, from oil major Shell | $7,250,000 |
| 1997 | Asset | Purchase value of 50% share in Shell for Cairn Energy | $7,500,000 |
Endorsements
As of 2024, Gammell is retired and does not possess any endorsements, but during his rugby career, he made the most of his net worth from endorsement deals from various famous companies.
Personal Details
| Full Name | William Benjamin Bowring Gammell |
| Nickname | William |
| Born | 29 December 1952 |
| Debut | 1977 |
| Age | 71 |
| Birthplace | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Net Worth | $50 million |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Janice Fotheringham |
| Father name | James Gammel |
| Mother name | N/A |
Wife
The former Scottish rugby player, Sir Bill Gammell is married to Janice Fotheringham, a fundraiser since 1983.
FAQs
Who is Sir Bill Gammell?
Sir Bill Gammell is a Scottish businessman and former international rugby player. He is best known for founding Cairn Energy, a successful oil and gas exploration company, and for his contributions to the energy industry and philanthropy.
What is Sir Bill Gammell’s background in rugby?
Bill Gammell played rugby for Scotland, earning five international caps between 1977 and 1980. He was known for his performance as a winger, scoring four tries in a match against Japan in 1977. His rugby career was cut short by a knee injury.
How did Sir Bill Gammell transition from rugby to business?
After his rugby career ended due to injury, Gammell founded Cairn Energy in 1981. He used venture capital to start the company, initially focusing on oil exploration in the USA before shifting its focus to South Asia, leading to significant discoveries and growth.
What are some of Sir Bill Gammell’s major business achievements?
Gammell’s major achievements include leading Cairn Energy to discover substantial oil reserves in Rajasthan, India, which catapulted the company into the FTSE 100. Under his leadership, Cairn Energy grew from a small venture to a company valued at around $10 billion.
What awards and honors has Sir Bill Gammell received?
Sir Bill Gammell has received numerous accolades, including being named UK Entrepreneur of the Year in 2004. He was knighted in 2006 for his services to industry in Scotland and has received honorary doctorates from Heriot-Watt University and Robert Gordon University.
What philanthropic efforts is Sir Bill Gammell involved in?
Gammell founded Winning Scotland in 2006, a charity that aims to build confidence and resilience in young people. He is also involved in other philanthropic initiatives, focusing on education, health, and poverty alleviation.
What is Sir Bill Gammell’s connection to notable political figures?
Gammell has maintained close friendships with former US President George W. Bush and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. His family had business ties with the Bush family, and he was school friends with Blair.
What roles has Sir Bill Gammell held in sports governance?
Gammell has been actively involved in sports governance, serving on the Scottish Institute of Sport and Sportscotland boards and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. He is also a trustee for the Prince’s Trust Scotland.
What is Sir Bill Gammell’s current involvement in business?
In recent years, Gammell has been involved in supporting startups and helping companies scale. He has served on various public company boards and is active in business through roles such as Chairman of West Town Edinburgh Ltd.
Has Sir Bill Gammell written any books?
Yes, Sir Bill Gammell is a published author. He wrote “Rugby Rebel: Discovering Bill McLaren,” which explores the life and achievements of the legendary rugby commentator Bill McLaren.
