When people tune in to watch political commentator Dana Perino on television, they often wonder about the man behind the scenes. Her husband, British-American businessman Peter McMahon, stays largely out of the political spotlight, yet his own professional background spans decades of corporate leadership. Born on June 6, 1954, McMahon is 72 years old. Perino, born on May 9, 1972, is 18 years younger, creating a notable age gap that has occasionally sparked public curiosity since they tied the knot in 1998.
Despite the constant attention on Perino's media career—including her tenure as White House Press Secretary under George W. Bush and her current role on Fox News—McMahon maintains a distinct career path. Understanding their relationship requires looking past the famous television broadcasts to see how an accidental airplane meeting turned into a decades-long marriage.
Who Is Peter McMahon? Background and Early Life
Peter K. McMahon was born in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. Growing up in the United Kingdom during the mid-20th century, he pursued higher education at the University of Liverpool, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management in 1976.
Rather than chasing fame, McMahon focused on supply chain logistics, retail operations, and international corporate management. His early career involved scaling major retail structures across the U.K., building a reputation for fixing inefficient distribution systems and managing large labor forces. He later immigrated to the United States, obtaining U.S. citizenship in 2006.
Career Timeline and Business Ventures
McMahon's professional journey spans more than four decades, moving through high-level executive positions in retail, supply chain networks, and medical device companies.
- Sainsbury's and Early Retail: He spent his early career working with major British supermarket chains, honing his expertise in logistics and supply chain optimization.
- Executive Roles at Walmart: Moving into international retail management, he served in supervisory and director roles within corporate structures, including international divisions.
- Loblaw Companies Limited: From 2006 to 2013, McMahon served as the chief executive officer of Canada's largest food retailer.
- Shopko Leadership: He later took on the role of president and CEO of the U.S. retail chain Shopko, overseeing operations until transitioning to other sectors.
- Healthcare and Medical Devices: In recent years, McMahon shifted his operational expertise toward the healthcare sector. He founded the consulting firm Icon Medical and serves as the president of GreenSleeve Medical Corp, advising companies on medical-device sales and operational strategy.
Meeting Dana Perino and Their 18-Year Age Gap
The couple's romance began in August 1997 on a routine commercial flight from Denver to Chicago. Seated near each other, McMahon struck up a conversation with Perino. Recognizing an immediate connection, Perino made the initial move by writing down her contact information and handing it to him before they parted ways at the terminal.
At the time, McMahon was an established executive balancing a busy career, while Perino was early in her public relations path. The 18-year age difference—he was born in 1954 and she in 1972—did little to deter them. After a year of long-distance dating, McMahon proposed outside the Washington National Cathedral. Perino accepted by letter, and the couple married on September 30, 1998, in a ceremony in the U.K. before honeymooning in Greece.
Family Life and Residence
McMahon has two children from a previous marriage, though the family keeps their identities private. He and Perino do not share children together, instead sharing their lives with a succession of beloved pets, most notably their late Vizsla dog, Jasper, who frequently appeared in Perino's social media updates and book projects.
The couple splits their time between Manhattan, New York, and the New Jersey shore, balancing demanding television schedules with a quiet domestic life. Perino has frequently credited her husband's steady counsel and unwavering support as a primary anchor during the high-stress years of her White House service and subsequent media career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Peter McMahon?
Peter McMahon was born on June 6, 1954. He is 72 years old.
What is the age gap between Dana Perino and her husband?
There is an 18-year age difference between them. Peter McMahon is 18 years older than Dana Perino.
What does Peter McMahon do for a living?
He is a businessman and corporate executive. He spent decades leading major retail and supply chain organizations and currently works as the president of GreenSleeve Medical Corp.
Do Peter McMahon and Dana Perino have children?
They do not have children together. McMahon has two adult children from a previous marriage.
How long have they been married?
The couple married on September 30, 1998, and have been married for over 27 years.