They'll be joining the usual line-up of Dragons when the series returns in 2024 on BBC One.
With filming currently underway in Manchester on the 21st series of Dragons' Den, it's been announced that London-born and US-based fashion mogul Emma Grede and ex-professional footballer turned businessman extraordinaire Gary Neville, will be joining Dragons’ Den as guest Dragons.
They'll sit alongside Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett to shake things up and impart their unique business advice on the dozens of entrepreneurs entering the Den, each hoping to leave with an investment.
Bringing bounds of valuable business experience and global brand-building acumen, Emma Grede is the pioneering architect of multiple fashion, retail and lifestyle brands worth billions of dollars. Recognised as one of America's Richest Self-Made Women by Forbes, she is the co-founder and CEO of Good American, which she established in 2016 alongside Khloé Kardashian, as well as the founding partner of shapewear brand SKIMS.
Emma also co-founded plant-powered cleaning brand Safely. Her passion and unwavering dedication to empowering women and championing social impact extends far beyond the fashion and retail landscapes. She continues to advocate for representation across industries, while serving as Chairwoman of The Fifteen Percent Pledge.
Speaking about joining Dragons' Den, Emma Grede said "I’m no stranger to the boardroom. I’m surrounded by strong women, and I champion those who are independent and have an idea that I can help develop and grow. I watched Dragons’ Den growing up, and being able to come back to the UK as a Dragon to share my own experience with the budding entrepreneurs entering the Den, is very exciting. I am looking for people who are passionate, not afraid to think big and know their product, and their audience."
To which Gary Neville added "I am excited to join the Dragons, and to meet the entrepreneurs brave enough to face us in the Den. I hope my personal journey shows that you can take the experiences you’ve had in one part of your career and use them to do something entirely different and make it a success. Business is all about managing people and managing yourself and I’m looking forward to sharing my experience to help the entrepreneurs we’ll meet in the Den reach their potential."
Gary Neville might be best known for his football accolades, but off the pitch is an extremely successful businessman and an example of how different skills and life experiences can be used in business. Having started out as a property developer whilst playing for Manchester United in his early twenties, he’s continued with that entrepreneurial passion and has built a business empire with a portfolio that spans property, hospitality, education, media and sport.
His Stock Exchange Hotel is one of the top hotels in Manchester, his University UA92 is disrupting a traditional model and his St. Michael’s project is one of the landmark property developments in Manchester City Centre.
Speaking about the addition of guests to Dragons' Den, executive producer Samantha Davies said "For the first time in the show’s 21 series there will be a sixth chair in the Den as we welcome our first guest Dragons. And what better additions to our established line-up than business juggernauts Emma Grede and Gary Neville."
"Emma brings a wide-range of knowledge and experience in international business, and Gary is a great example of someone who took an alternative route into commerce and used his unique skillset to grow a successful portfolio of companies."
"They’re an exciting addition to the Den for both the programme and the entrepreneurs who’ll get the opportunity to pitch to them."
To which Commissioning Editor Sarah Clay added "Dragons’ Den has gone from strength to strength. Creative renewal is key to keeping such long running flagship shows at the top of their game. Our brilliant guest Dragons Emma and Gary, bring a different type of fire to the Den and create a new dynamic we hope Dragons fans will thoroughly enjoy."
Dragons' Den returns in 2024 on BBC One
Comments