John Peter Boden (born 1 June 1961) is an entrepreneur and founder of Boden, a catalogue clothing company, in 1991.

Early life

John Peter Boden was born on 1 June 1961. His father was a lieutenant colonel who changed careers to become a farmer. John Boden was educated at Hawtreys preparatory school, and then

Eton College Eton College () is a public school in Eton, Berkshire, England. It was founded in 1440 by Henry VI under the name ''Kynge's College of Our Ladye of Eton besyde Windesore'',Nevill, p. 3 ff. intended as a sister institution to King's College, ...

, and read philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) at Oriel College, Oxford.

Career

At 16, he edited the menswear section of the 1977 ''Harpers & Queen Teenage Edition'', but Boden's father was "dismissive", calling it a "stupid job". After leaving university, Boden became a stockbroker with Barclays Merchant Bank, and SG Warburg Securities. spending some time at Wall Street. He was a stockbroker for five years. However, he "loathed" the job, and was "ill-suited – really bad at it". He ceased working as a stockbroker when he received an inheritance from a childless uncle. He dabbled in other jobs, as a

publican In antiquity, publicans ( Greek τελώνης ''telōnēs'' (singular); Latin ''publicanus'' (singular); ''publicani'' (plural)) were public contractors, in whose official capacity they often supplied the Roman legions and military, managed th ...

and teacher in London. Boden enjoyed teaching, though disliked the low salaries.

Boden

He founded Boden in 1991, launching his first catalogue featuring pictures drawn by a friend, with eight menswear products available modelled by his friends. In 1992, Boden realised women were a better target for clothes, and launched women's clothing, followed by children's clothing, under the name 'Mini Boden', in 1996. However, it took "at least 10 years" for the finances to settle down due to robbery, and other circumstances; which ultimately led his inheritance to be gone in under three years. The firm is known for its "bright prints". His foundation of Boden has enabled Boden to amass a personal fortune of £300mil (2014), placing him at 368 on the Sunday Times Rich List. The Bodens own around 60% of the shares in the company, a stake worth £281 million. Boden was appointed

Commander of the Order of the British Empire The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service. It was established ...

(CBE) in the

2023 New Year Honours The 2023 New Year Honours are appointments by some of the 15 Commonwealth realms to various orders and honours to recognise and reward good works by citizens of those countries. The New Year Honours are awarded as part of the New Year celebratio ...

for services to fashion and the retail sector.

Personal life

Boden is married to Sophie, with whom he has three daughters.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Boden, Johnnie 1961 births Living people Alumni of Oriel College, Oxford British businesspeople British founders People educated at Eton College People educated at Hawtreys Commanders of the Order of the British Empire