Dragons' Den investor Touker Suleyman leaves after 10 years

Entrepreneur Touker Suleyman has announced his departure from the BBC business programme Dragons' Den after a decade as an investor. The 72-year-old businessman, known for owning the fashion brands Hawes & Curtis and Ghost, revealed his decision in a statement posted to Instagram.

Suleyman described his ten years on the show as an "immense privilege," allowing him to invest in ventures he believed in and to share his business experience. He stated that reaching the age of 72 prompted him to reflect on his priorities. In his announcement, he expressed his belief that "great institutions must evolve" and said it was time for "new blood" to take his seat. His final episodes will air later this year.

Fellow investors on the show quickly offered public tributes. Longtime colleague Peter Jones said Suleyman had "helped change so many people's lives" over what he called "the best 10 years." Another former investor, Tej Lalvani, praised Suleyman's mentorship and his ability to see potential in people. Current dragon Sara Davies also commented, calling him an "amazing dragon" and saying she would miss him on the show.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment commissioning at the BBC,...