The Untold Story Of Peter McMahon: 7 Shocking Facts About Dana Perino's 18-Year Older Husband

Despite the high-profile nature of his wife’s career, Peter McMahon, the husband of Fox News star Dana Perino, has managed to keep a relatively private life, leading to constant public curiosity about the man behind the former White House Press Secretary. As of December 2025, the couple continues to celebrate a marriage that has spanned over 25 years, a testament to their enduring and unconventional love story that began with a chance encounter on an airplane. The key to understanding their bond lies not just in their shared life in Manhattan but in McMahon’s own distinguished, decades-long career as a global business executive.

The British-American businessman, who is 18 years his wife's senior, is a powerhouse in his own right, having held top-tier roles in international retail and supply chain management. While Perino is a fixture on programs like The Five and America's Newsroom, McMahon's professional life has involved managing complex, multi-billion dollar operations across the globe, from Europe to North America. This article dives deep into the biography, career milestones, and fascinating details of Peter McMahon's life, revealing the man who has been Dana Perino's rock for over a quarter-century.

Peter McMahon: Complete Biography and Profile

Peter McMahon is a successful British-American businessman best known for his extensive career in global retail and supply chain management, and for his marriage to political commentator and former White House Press Secretary, Dana Perino.

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• Full Name: Peter K. McMahon
• Date of Birth: June 6, 1954
• Age (as of December 2025): 71 years old
• Place of Birth: Blackpool, Lancashire, United Kingdom
• Nationality: British-American
• Spouse: Dana Perino (m. 1998)
• Children: Two children from a previous marriage (not with Dana Perino)
• Education: Business and Management degree from a university in the United Kingdom
• Primary Career: Executive in International Retail and Supply Chain Management
• Notable Positions: CEO of Shopko, COO of Loblaw Companies, Director at Walmart, Director at Tesco, Director at Sainsbury's
• Residences: Manhattan, New York

The Unconventional Love Story: How a Flight to Chicago Changed Everything

The foundation of Dana Perino and Peter McMahon's relationship is a story of fate and swift commitment, proving that an age gap is merely a number when true connection is found.

The Chance Meeting on a Plane

In August 1997, Dana Perino, then a 25-year-old Congressional staffer, boarded a flight from Denver to Chicago. It was on this flight that she met Peter McMahon, a 44-year-old international businessman from the United Kingdom.

McMahon, who was traveling for work, struck up a conversation with Perino. Despite the 18-year age difference, the connection was immediate and undeniable. This one chance encounter quickly blossomed into a serious, though initially long-distance, relationship.

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A Whirlwind Engagement and Wedding

The courtship was brief and decisive. Just three days after meeting, McMahon proposed to Perino.

She accepted, and within a year, they were married in 1998. The couple initially moved to England for a short period before settling permanently in the United States, first in San Diego and eventually in Manhattan, New York.

The speed of their engagement and the significant age gap initially raised eyebrows, but the couple has consistently championed their bond, attributing their success to mutual respect, a shared sense of humor, and a commitment to communication.

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Peter McMahon's Global Business Empire and Career Highlights

While Dana Perino was navigating the intense political landscape of Washington D.C. as the first Republican woman to serve as White House Press Secretary, Peter McMahon was building an impressive empire in the corporate world.

A Master of Supply Chain Management

McMahon's professional journey is deeply rooted in the complex world of logistics and supply chain management. His expertise in optimizing retail operations and distribution networks made him a highly sought-after executive globally.

He held a key role as the Supply Chain & Distribution Director at the major British supermarket chain, Sainsbury's, early in his career.

High-Profile Leadership Roles

McMahon's career trajectory includes leadership positions at some of the world's most recognizable retail giants.

• Tesco: He spent time at the UK-based multinational retailer, gaining experience in large-scale international operations.
• Walmart: McMahon served as a director and supervisor in the German office of the American retail behemoth, Walmart, starting in 2004.
• Loblaw Companies Limited: He was the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Canadian retail giant, Loblaw, where he was responsible for a vast array of functions including Supply Chain, IT, HR, and Store Operations.
• Shopko: From 2006 to 2013, he served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shopko, a major retail chain, marking a significant leadership achievement in his career.

His background is a blend of British business acumen and American corporate leadership, giving him a unique perspective that complements his wife's political and media expertise.

Life in Manhattan: Jasper, Books, and a Quiet Retirement

Today, the couple resides in a quiet corner of Manhattan, New York, enjoying a life that is a comfortable mix of high-profile media work and private domesticity.

The Famous Family Dog: Jasper

Perhaps the most famous member of their household is their beloved dog, Jasper, a Vizsla who has become a celebrity in his own right.

Jasper, often affectionately referred to as "America's Dog" by Perino, is a fixture on her social media and has even been the subject of one of her bestselling books, Let Me Tell You about Jasper . . . : How My Best Friend Became America's Dog.

The dog is a clear source of joy and a major part of the couple's shared life, often seen accompanying Perino to the Fox News studios.

A Shared Passion for Writing and Mentorship

While Peter McMahon's career has been in business, he is a supportive partner to Perino’s literary endeavors. Dana Perino is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, with books like And the Good News Is... Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side.

McMahon has encouraged her writing and her mentorship work, which often focuses on inspiring young women. His steady, private nature provides a necessary balance to the often chaotic public world Perino inhabits on shows like The Five.

The Secret to Their Marriage Success

For a couple with such a significant age difference and careers that span politics, media, and global business, the longevity of their marriage is a frequent topic of discussion.

Dana Perino has often stated that their success is due to their decision to keep their relationship private and their commitment to spending quality time together, despite demanding schedules. She has also humorously noted that the age gap meant they both knew exactly what they wanted when they met, leading to their rapid engagement and lifelong partnership.

Peter McMahon's grounded, international perspective and his experience managing complex organizations have undoubtedly provided a solid framework for their life together, allowing Dana Perino to thrive in her demanding role as a prominent political commentator and author.