Grimsby's David Ross, the co-founder of the Carphone Warehouse, is a leading candidate to become the next chair of Ofsted, the education watchdog.
As reported, Mr Ross set up the David Ross Education Trust, which runs 25 schools including Grimsby's Havelock Academy, Edward Heneage Primary Academy and Humberston Academy.
And today national media have revealed his name is one of a number being considered for the role by Education Secretary Michael Gove, the Education Secretary.
However, if the long-term Tory party benefactor is appointed, it is feared it could spark a political row with Labour at a time when Ofsted's handling of the 'Trojan Horse' schools extremism row is already causing rifts.
It could also spark opposition from within the Coalition – David Laws, a Liberal Democrat, is Mr Gove's deputy at the Department for Education (DfE).
Mr Ross is principally known for his involvement in the creation of Carphone Warehouse, which he set up during the 1980s with Sir Charles Dunstone.
In recent years, he has also become a prominent figure in the education sector, sitting on the council of Nottingham University as well as setting up the Trust.
Friends of Mr Ross describe him as being "incredibly passionate" about education.
Academic results at the schools in his network were improving significantly since he began working with them, according to a spokesman.
Havelock Academy was Mr Ross's first academy, opening in 2007.
The Carphone Warehouse co-founder, whose fortune is estimated at £892m by The Sunday Times Rich List, also made headlines in 2009 when he was cleared by City regulators of any impropriety over the mortgaging of some of his shares in the retailer.
DfE officials are being assisted in the selection process by GatenbySanderson, a recruitment firm.
A spokesman for Mr Ross declined to comment. The DfE also refused to comment.
