Biography
With his success in turning failing businesses into high turnover successes - Theo Paphitis is down to earth, colourful, and highly impressive. He delivers his message with fire and pragmatism honed by his wide experience.
Theo is a Cypriot entrepreneur, based in the United Kingdom, well known for turning failing companies into highly successful and profitable businesses. His ventures include a variety of business organisations: Ryman, Contessa, La Senza, Partners and Red Letter Days.
Greek Cypriot Theo Paphitis came to England when he was 6 and began his entrepreneurial activities, running his school tuck-shop, at the age of 15. He was inspired to get into business when swiveling on the leather chair in the office of his father's air-conditioning firm.
Theo started his career at the age of 16 as a tea boy/filing clerk with Lloyds of London insurance brokers, then discovered his passion for retailing and sales, working as a sales assistant for Watches of Switzerland. At the age of 20 he moved into finance and became involved in commercial mortgage sales before eventually deciding to go it alone setting up his own company at the age of 23.
He made his money during the commercial property boom of the 1980s. In the following years he purchased and turned around ailing companies like Movie Media Sports, Ryman the Stationer, Contessa and La Senza lingerie chains, and Partners the Stationer. He has turned these companies into successful, solid and profitable retail businesses.
As chairman, Theo took Millwall FC out of administration, saw their first ever official Wembley appearance, and won promotion to Division One as champions. He is perhaps most famous for his attacks on football hooliganism, and guiding the club towards meeting Manchester United in the FA Cup Final in 2004. Theo left Millwall FC on the 21st July 2006. He was also a Director of the Football League and an FA Councillor
This has been followed by his appearance as a Dragon on the successful BBC TV series, Dragons' Den and his most recent acquisition, experience company, Red Letter Days
Theo's wealth is estimated at £135million, and he was ranked 343 in the Sunday Times Rich List 2005.
Theo explains his winning business strategies and offers practical advice on turning round a company. His down-to-earth message on topics ranging from entrepreneurship to the retail industry, are delivered with wit and passion. His philosophy is simple; 'There are three reasons for going to work...one to make money, two to have fun and, three...don't forget to make some money'.
Theo lives in Surrey with his wife. He has five children and two grandchildren.
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