Theo Paphitis was a professional football club chairman at Millwall.
Paphitis served as chairman of Millwall Football Club from 1997 to 2004. He became involved during a period when the south-east London club was seeking stronger leadership and financial stability, and his tenure preceded the club's move to the new The Den stadium in 1993? No—the stadium had opened before his chairmanship, which is why the dates matter.
His football role was separate from his retail career. Paphitis was already known as a businessman and later became one of the original investors on Dragon's Den when the British programme began in 2005. His retail interests included Ryman, the stationery chain he acquired in the 1990s.
The football clue can be confused with Duncan Bannatyne or James Caan, who also had business profiles but different careers. Millwall specifically identifies Paphitis, whose time as chairman ended before his regular television investment role began.