William Lee Kemp, also known as William Lee-Kemp, is a British businessman recognised for his successful career in the automotive industry. He is the founder and owner of Auto-Sportiva, a luxury and performance car dealership based in Kent, England. His professional achievements have earned him recognition in the British motor trade, while his marriage to television personality Jess Wright has brought him additional public attention.
Although many people know William through his relationship with Jess Wright, his business career began long before he entered the public spotlight. Over the years, he has transformed a small dealership into an established automotive business.
His journey reflects dedication, business experience, and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
Who Is William Lee Kemp?
William Lee Kemp is a British entrepreneur and the owner of Auto-Sportiva, a specialist dealership selling luxury, prestige, and performance vehicles.
He established the business in 2007 and gradually expanded its operations. The company offers premium used vehicles from recognised manufacturers, including Porsche, BMW, and Land Rover.
William is also known as the husband of Jessica Wright, a British television personality who gained fame through The Only Way Is Essex.
Despite his connection to the entertainment industry, William has maintained his professional identity as a businessman.
Early Life and Background
William Lee Kemp was born in December 1982, according to his publicly available corporate records. He is British and has spent much of his professional career working in Kent.
Information about his childhood, parents, siblings, and education remains limited. Unlike celebrities who regularly discuss their early lives, William has generally kept these details private.
His later career demonstrates a strong interest in business and the automotive industry.
Although his early professional experience has not been fully documented, establishing his own dealership became an important turning point in his life.
His Professional Journey
William Lee Kemp began his entrepreneurial journey by establishing Auto-Sportiva in 2007.
The business initially operated from a relatively small showroom in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with space for approximately 20 vehicles.
During its early years, Auto-Sportiva mainly specialised in Italian cars. However, William gradually recognised opportunities to expand into other areas of the premium automotive market.
As customer preferences changed, the dealership introduced more vehicles from British and German manufacturers.
This decision allowed the company to serve a wider range of customers interested in luxury and performance vehicles.
Through careful business development and changing stock strategies, William helped Auto-Sportiva establish a stronger position in the competitive used-car industry.
The Growth of Auto-Sportiva
Auto-Sportiva’s expansion represents one of William Lee Kemp’s most significant professional achievements.
After its initial establishment in Tunbridge Wells, the dealership relocated to a larger showroom in Sevenoaks, accommodating approximately 50 vehicles.
Further growth followed, and by 2016 the company operated two showrooms in the Sevenoaks area.
In 2020, construction began on a purpose-built facility in Tonbridge, designed to accommodate up to 200 vehicles.
This development marked an important stage in the company’s history.
Auto-Sportiva gradually strengthened its presence in the luxury automotive market by offering a broader selection of premium vehicles.
The dealership’s development demonstrates how William adapted his business model to changing market demands while maintaining a focus on customer service.
Business Strategy and Leadership
William Lee Kemp’s approach to business has involved responding to competition and understanding customer expectations.
In interviews with Car Dealer Magazine, he discussed how competition from major online automotive retailers influenced Auto-Sportiva’s development.
Rather than competing directly with larger companies across every part of the used-car market, William placed greater emphasis on specialist luxury and prestige vehicles.
He also adjusted the company’s stock selection when changing vehicle values and market conditions made certain models less attractive commercially.
Customer service has remained an important part of Auto-Sportiva’s business approach.
William has emphasised the importance of making customers feel valued when purchasing a premium vehicle.
His leadership reflects the role of adaptability, customer relationships, and practical experience in managing an independent dealership.
Career Achievements and Awards
William Lee Kemp has received recognition for his contributions to the British automotive industry.
In 2024, Auto-Sportiva won the Used Car Dealership of the Year (Over 100 Cars) award at the Car Dealer Used Car Awards.
The dealership also reported selling more than 900 vehicles during that year.
In 2025, the company received further industry recognition, including the Independent Premium Dealership of the Year award at the Motor Trader Independent Dealer Awards.
William personally won the Used Car Dealer Principal of the Year award at the 2025 Car Dealer Used Car Awards.
These achievements reflect the company’s development and the professional reputation William has established through his work.
William Lee Kemp and Jess Wright
William Lee Kemp attracted wider public interest through his relationship with television personality Jess Wright.
Jess became well known for appearing on the British reality television programme The Only Way Is Essex.
According to published interviews, Jess’s brother, Mark Wright, helped introduce the couple.
Their relationship developed over time, and William proposed during a holiday in Courchevel, France, in 2020.
The engagement received attention from British entertainment publications.
Although William was already an established businessman, his relationship with Jess introduced him to audiences outside the automotive industry.
Marriage and Family Life
William Lee Kemp and Jess Wright married on 9 September 2021 in Mallorca, Spain.
Their wedding attracted considerable media attention and included family members, friends, and familiar television personalities.
The ceremony took place at the Basilica de Sant Francesc in Palma, followed by celebrations at Castillo de Bendinat.
Their wedding preparations were also featured in the ITV television special Jess Wright: The Wedding.
In May 2022, the couple welcomed their son, Presley.
William’s official company profile describes him as family-oriented, highlighting his enjoyment of spending time with his son.
Although his marriage has attracted public interest, he generally keeps much of his family life away from regular media coverage.
William Lee Kemp’s Net Worth
William Lee Kemp’s financial background has become a subject of public interest because of his business success.
However, his exact personal net worth has not been independently verified.
As the owner of Auto-Sportiva, he is associated with an established dealership operating in the premium automotive market.
The company’s expansion, vehicle sales, and industry recognition suggest considerable business development over the years.
Nevertheless, company revenue and business assets should not be confused with personal wealth.
Official corporate filings provide information about the business, but they do not reveal William’s complete financial circumstances.
Therefore, specific online estimates of his net worth should be approached cautiously unless supported by reliable financial evidence.
Personal Interests and Lifestyle
Outside his business responsibilities, William Lee Kemp has interests in cars, boats, and travel.
His official Auto-Sportiva profile identifies the Rolls-Royce Dawn as his dream vehicle.
Working in the automotive industry also allows him to experience different premium cars regularly.
Family life remains another important part of his personal world.
Although his wife is a recognised television personality, William maintains a relatively professional public presence, with most of his interviews focusing on business and automotive industry developments.
Public Recognition
William Lee Kemp receives public attention from two main areas: the automotive industry and entertainment media.
Automotive publications generally discuss his business achievements, dealership operations, and professional opinions about the used-car market.
Entertainment publications focus more on his marriage to Jess Wright and their family milestones.
These different forms of coverage have introduced him to a broader audience.
However, his professional reputation is primarily connected to the development and success of Auto-Sportiva rather than his association with television personalities.
What Is William Lee Kemp Doing Now?
As of November 2026, publicly available corporate information continues to identify William Lee Kemp as a director of Auto-Sportiva Limited.
His professional activities remain associated with the dealership and the premium used-car market.
The business has received notable awards in recent years and continues to be recognised within the independent automotive sector.
William’s career demonstrates the importance of adapting to market conditions while developing a long-term commercial identity.
Conclusion
William Lee Kemp has built a professional career through his work as the founder and owner of Auto-Sportiva. From establishing a small dealership in 2007 to overseeing an award-winning automotive business, his journey reflects business development and determination.
His marriage to Jess Wright introduced him to wider public attention, but his professional achievements remain an important part of his identity.
Today, William is recognised as both a businessman and a family man whose career illustrates the value of experience, adaptability, and customer relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is William Lee Kemp?
William Lee Kemp is a British businessman and the founder and owner of Auto-Sportiva, a luxury and performance car dealership based in Kent, England.
How old is William Lee Kemp?
William Lee Kemp was born in December 1982. He is 43 years old as of November 2026.
What does William Lee Kemp do for a living?
He owns and directs Auto-Sportiva, a dealership specialising in premium used cars and luxury vehicles.
Who is William Lee Kemp’s wife?
His wife is Jess Wright, a British television personality known for appearing on The Only Way Is Essex. They married in September 2021.
Does William Lee Kemp have children?
Yes. William Lee Kemp and Jess Wright have a son named Presley, born in May 2022.
What is William Lee Kemp’s net worth?
His exact personal net worth has not been publicly verified. His primary known business interest is Auto-Sportiva.
