Douglas Ellis Collection

Doug Ellis, Birmingham Travel Agent, Sunflight, pictured with wife, Heidi Marie Kroeger at Ascot Racecourse, Royal Ascot, Hunt Cup Day, Wednesday 16th June 1965. Our Picture Shows

Mr. Doug Ellis at home with his family at Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield. With him are his wife Heidi, sons Oliver and Simon and the family pet dog Tinker. 29th October, 1979

Heidi Marie Ellis, wife of Doug Ellis, Chairman Aston Villa Football Club, pictured at Royal Ascot. June 1972

Doug Ellis, Chairman Aston Villa Football Club, Monday 17th October 1988. Our Picture Shows... Doug Ellis with his giant catch, a 27 pound Salmon, caught on the River Tay in Scotland

Mr. Douglas Ellis, chairman of Midland Air Tours Operators, signs the contract with Iberia Airlines of Spain, wactched by Mr. John F. Dellaway, regional manager of the airline. 14th February, 1968

Doug Ellis, Businessman and future Chairman Aston Villa Football Club, pictured Birmingham Post Studios, Thursday 30th November 1967

Douglas Ellis (right in the long coat), the new chairmen of Aston Villa Football Club, meets his players before their training session. Picture taken 18th December 1968

Villa chairman Doug Ellis swaps his boardroom duties for a soccer role at Villa Park. It was a charity game between a Saunders select side

League Cup Final Aston Villa v Norwich. Doug Ellis talks to Chico Haamilton 3rd March, 1975

Mr. Doug Ellis, the Birmingham travel agent, and his wife at Ascot yesterday. Mrs. Ellis is wearing a black hat and coat over a black and white dress

Doug Ellis with his wife Heidi. circa 1964

Doug Ellis (left), new Aston Villa Chairman, pictured shaking hands with financier Pat Matthews, Monday 16th December 1968

Doug Ellis, new chairman of Aston Villa Football Club, pictured on his first day in charge of the club, December 1968

Doug Ellis, Chairman Aston Villa FC, signing copies of his new book Deadly! outside WH Smith in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Saturday 3rd October 1998

Doug Ellis, Chairman Aston Villa Football Club, pictured in his office at Villa Park, 24th July 1996

Josef Venglos signs as Aston Villa manager July 1990 Doug Ellis chairman of Aston Villa in background

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Doug Ellis, a prominent figure in Birmingham's travel industry, is widely recognized as the former Chairman of Aston Villa Football Club. Born as Douglas Ellis, he began his career as a successful travel agent known for his association with Sunflight and Midland Air Tours Operators. Pictured alongside his wife, Heidi Marie Ellis, their strong partnership was evident both at home in Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield and during public appearances. On Monday 17th October 1988, Doug Ellis took on the role of Chairman at Aston Villa Football Club. This marked the beginning of an era where he would dedicate himself to leading one of England's most beloved football teams. Known for his business acumen and passion for soccer, Doug became an influential figure within the club. Throughout his tenure as Chairman, Doug Ellis actively participated in various aspects of Aston Villa's operations. He could often be seen swapping boardroom duties for hands-on involvement at Villa Park during matches or engaging with players like Chico Hamilton during important events such as the League Cup Final against Norwich. Away from football commitments, Mr. Doug Ellis enjoyed spending quality time with his family. In vintage photographs circa 1964, we see him proudly posing with Heidi by his side – a testament to their enduring love and support throughout their journey together. Doug Ellis' impact extended beyond just football; he remained deeply rooted in Birmingham's travel industry even after taking up leadership at Aston Villa Football Club. His dedication to both fields exemplified versatility and determination that earned him respect among peers and fans alike. As we reflect on Douglas "Doug" Ellis' legacy today, it is clear that he left an indelible mark not only on Aston Villa but also on Birmingham's travel landscape through years of hard work and commitment to excellence.