Who Is Deborah Meaden? age, height, net worth, husband, biography and latest updates.
TV personality, entrepreneur, and investor Deborah Sonia Meaden hails from England. She was born and raised in Taunton, Somerset, England, and established and managed a multi-million dollar family vacation company. Following her appearance on the business program Dragons’ Den on the BBC network, she gained notoriety.
Deborah Meaden Biography & Profile Summary
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Celebrated Name | Deborah Meaden |
| Real Name/Full Name | Deborah Sonia Meaden |
| Gender | Female |
| Age | 64 years old |
| Birth Date | 11 February 1959 |
| Birth Place | Taunton, Somerset, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | 1.57 m |
| Weight | 67 kg |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband/Spouse (Name) | Paul Meaden (m. 1993) |
| Children/Kids (Son and Daughter) | No |
| Dating/Boyfriend (Name) | N/A |
| Is Deborah Meaden Lesbian? | No |
| Profession | Businesswoman, TV Personality |
| Salary | $833,333/month |
| Net Worth in 2023 | $70 million |
Who is Deborah Meaden?
Deborah Meaden is a well-known British businesswoman and television personality who is well-known for both her successful professional career and her appearances on the hit BBC program Dragons’ Den.
Deborah Meaden Early Life and Family
On February 11, 1959, Deborah Meaden was born in Taunton, Somerset, England. Her parents’ divorce during her childhood caused her and her sister Gail to go to Essex with their mother. Her mother later married Brian, and Deborah gained two more sisters through this union.
Deborah Meaden Education and Entrepreneurial Aspirations
Deborah’s journey towards entrepreneurship began during her school years. She initially attended Salisbury’s Godolphin boarding school and later enrolled at Trowbridge High School for Girls in Wiltshire. After completing her early education, she pursued business studies at Brighton Technical College. It was during these formative years that she developed a strong desire to become an entrepreneur and run her own business.
Deborah Meaden’s Age, Height, and Weight
As of 2023, Deborah Meaden is 64 years old. She measures 1.57 meters (equivalent to 5 feet 2 inches) in height and weighs 67 kilograms (approximately 148 pounds).
Deborah Meaden Career Beginnings and Early Ventures
Deborah Meaden’s entrepreneurial journey gained momentum during her college years. At 19 years old, she moved to Italy, where she established a business that specialized in exporting ceramic and glass products. Her international experience laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
Upon returning to the United Kingdom, Deborah purchased the textile franchise Stefanel. This marked the beginning of her successful career in the retail and leisure industries. In 1988, she joined her family’s business, where she managed amusement arcade operations. Notably, in 1992, she started working for Weststar Holidays, eventually becoming the majority shareholder in 1999.
The Sale of Weststar Holidays
In 2005, Deborah Meaden made a significant business move by selling the majority of her shares in Weststar Holidays to Phoenix Equity Partners for £33 million. While this transaction was substantial, she retained a 23 percent stake in the company.
In 2017, her remaining stake in Weststar Holidays was liquidated when the company was sold to Alchemy Partners for £83 million. This deal significantly increased the value of her shares, totaling £19 million.
Deborah Meaden Expansion into Textile Business and Merchant Fox
Deborah’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to flourish as she expanded her portfolio. In 2009, she acquired Fox Brothers and Her Partners, a textile mill. This strategic move allowed her to venture into the world of textiles and manufacturing.
In 2011, she launched Merchant Fox, an online store specializing in luxury goods made in the United Kingdom. This endeavor showcased her commitment to promoting British craftsmanship and quality.
Dragons’ Den and Investment Ventures
Deborah Meaden gained widespread recognition when she joined the BBC network’s hit show, Dragons’ Den, in 2006. On the show, she evaluated and invested in numerous aspiring entrepreneurs and their businesses. To date, she has invested over £3.3 million in 63 businesses, showcasing her expertise in identifying and nurturing promising ventures.
Other Endeavors and Contributions
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits and television career, Deborah Meaden has made noteworthy contributions to various causes. She is a member of the World Wildlife Fund’s Council of Ambassadors, highlighting her commitment to environmental conservation and advocacy.
Deborah Meaden Achievements and Honors
Throughout her illustrious career, she has received several honorary degrees. In 2010, the University of Exeter’s business school bestowed an honorary degree upon her, followed by honorary degrees from Staffordshire University in 2013 and Keele University in 2014.
Deborah Meaden Net Worth
As of September 2023, she has accumulated substantial wealth through her successful business ventures and investments. She earns an estimated $833,333 per month, resulting in a total net worth of approximately $70 million.
Deborah Meaden’s Husband
Deborah Meaden is married to Paul Meaden, whom she met in 1985 while she was still in university. Paul was working at Weststar at the time. The couple decided to marry in 1993 and resides in the Somerset town of Langport.
Deborah is known for her deep affection for animals and owns several pets. She purchased her Langport property in 2006 after the sale of her business. Despite their long marriage, the couple remains childless, with Deborah identifying as a practicing atheist.
She has a strong affinity for travel, particularly to South and Central America. Rugby is her favorite sport, and “The Shawshank Redemption” stands as her favorite movie.
- What is Deborah Meaden’s net worth in 2023?
- Her estimated net worth as of September 2023 is approximately $70 million.
- How did Deborah Meaden become involved in the textile business?
- She ventured into the textile industry by acquiring Fox Brothers and Her Partners, a textile mill, in 2009.
- What is Deborah Meaden’s role on the television show Dragons’ Den?
- On Dragons’ Den, she evaluates and invests in aspiring entrepreneurs and their businesses, offering them guidance and financial support.
- What are Deborah Meaden’s favorite pastimes and interests?
- Deborah enjoys travel, with a particular fondness for South and Central America, and she is also a rugby enthusiast, and “The Shawshank Redemption” is her favorite movie.
- Does Deborah Meaden have children?
- No, Her and her husband do not have children.
