Former Dragon on ‘Dragon’s Den’, Made Ryman Stationers Profitable & Former Chairman of Millwall FC

Theo Paphitis is a Dragons Den investor who was born in Cyprus. He came to England when he was six and was running the tuck shop at his north London school at 15. Starting out as tea boy at a City insurance broker, he found his flair for retail as a shop assistant at Watches of Switzerland. Theo returned to the insurance industry in sales at 20, where he discovered his natural ability of pointing out the obvious and applying common sense (which is not common). In no time he was helping businesses in difficulty and this soon became a full time role.

He has turned Ryman, Contessa, La Senza and Partners the Stationers into successful and profitable retail businesses. He headed up a 350 store chain and a group turnover approaching 250m.

In 2005 Theo Paphitis joined BBC’s Dragon’s Den. He remained a Dragon for the next 9 years alongside Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne and Deborah Meaden. During his time in the Den, other Dragons were, Rachel Elnaugh, Richard Farleigh, James Caan, Hilary Devey and Doug Richard. Theo was invited back to cover for Touker Suleyman when he was ill. He then returned once more in 2021 (series 18), this time to cover for Peter Jones who was self isolating due to Covid.

Other ventures include Red Letter Days, the company which started in 1989 and which he salvaged out of administration in 2005 with fellow BBC Dragon Peter Jones. He later sold the company in 2006.  La Senza was also sold in 2006 but in 2011 he set up the lingerie chain, Boux Avenue

As a former Chairman of Millwall FC. Theo is also very much into football.

To book Theo Paphitis to speak at your next business event, please contact SpeakOut on 020 8914 8966

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