Renowned British Entrepreneur Joins Other Business Leaders from
Key Growth Markets to Help Expand Marvel’s Global Business Opportunities
Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL), a global character-based
entertainment and licensing company celebrating the 70th
anniversary of its founding in 1939, announced today the addition of
Theo Paphitis to the company’s International Advisory Board. Comprised
of business leaders from key international growth markets, the Advisory
Board works with Marvel executives to explore opportunities for
expanding the presence of the Marvel brand and key character franchises
in international markets.
Mr. Paphitis is one of the UK’s most high profile businessmen. His
empire spans retail, property, finance and consumer goods. The
Cyprus-born entrepreneur has become a household name thanks to the
hugely popular BBC Two series Dragons’ Den, entering its seventh season,
in which would-be entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to investors.
Simon Philips, President, Worldwide Consumer Products for Marvel
Entertainment, who serves as the primary company liaison to the Advisory
Board, commented, “We are honored to have Theo join the International
Advisory Board. He is a tremendously distinguished business leader whose
depth of experience and insight into the constantly evolving retail
landscape in the UK and on a global level will help further our
commitment to generate growth from international markets. Along with the
other esteemed members of the Advisory Board, Theo will be instrumental
in helping strengthen our international business focus and enable us to
further maximize the potential of the Marvel brand on a global level.”
Theo Paphitis said, “I’ve always said that business should be fun and
joining the advisory board of Marvel is certainly that. I will, however,
be contributing my opinions to a seriously successful business. Having
loved the comics, films and merchandise, I now find myself sharing them
with my children and grandchildren. Although the company is 70 years
old, it is in its infancy in most markets outside the USA and UK and I’m
looking forward to helping develop positive results in new territories.”
Mr. Paphitis made his name as a leading entrepreneur by acquiring and
reviving notable retail brands - including Ryman the Stationer, Contessa
and La Senza lingerie chains in the UK, Partners the Stationers and
Stationery Box - turning them into profitable businesses. Theo combined
the stationery businesses under the Ryman Group, where he is now
Chairman.
