UK businessman Theo Paphitis, one of the stars of the hit BBC2 series Dragons’ Den, has joined Marvel Entertainment’s international advisory board as the company seeks to expand its global presence.

Paphitis made his name by acquiring and reviving companies such as Ryman The Stationer, Contessa and La Senza lingerie chains. Earlier this year he was appointed patron of Skillset Retail.

Among his other notable accomplishments, the Cyprus-born entrepreneur held the position of chairman of Millwall Football Club for eight successful years.

Simon Philips, the president of worldwide consumer products for Marvel Entertainment who serves as the primary company liaison to the advisory board, called Paphitis “a tremendously distinguished business leader” whose insight would develop the company’s “commitment to generate growth from international markets.”

“Having loved the comics, films and merchandise, I now find myself sharing them with my children and grandchildren,” Paphitis said. “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.”

Marvel’s international advisory board is chaired by James F Halpin, a Marvel director since March 1995, and comprises Peter Yip, executive vice-chairman and CEO of the CDC Corporation, and Bollywood film producer Manmohan Shetty, former chairman of Adlabs Films Limited.

Marvel is looking to fill one final place on the board and will announce once the appointment is made.

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