A new Dragon is not fully food news per se, but CBC's successful series Dragons' Den has long provided a platform for many Canadian food entrepreneurs to find success in the consumer products industry. As such, there's no doubt that the newly announced Dragon, Wes Hall, will have an impact on a variety of burgeoning food and drink-related companies during the 16th season of the show.
The Jamaica-born, Canada-raised executive chairman and founder of Kingsdale Advisors as well as The BlackNorth Initiative has many ventures including QM Environmental (an environmental and industrial services provider with over 450 employees), oil and gas manufacturing company Titan Supply and Harbor Club hotel, which is considered one of St. Lucia’s premier resorts.
“I’m excited to join Dragons’ Den and sit alongside some of our country’s biggest and brightest business minds,” said Hall in today's announcement. “As a life-long entrepreneur, I know first-hand how much drive and dedication it takes to build a business, especially as a Black person in Canada.
"I look forward to sharing my challenges and my experiences to help guide other Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) entrepreneurs on a path of success. Not only do I plan to make some incredible deals, I plan to help level the playing field for BIPOC entrepreneurs.”
Hall is taking a seat alongside Arlene Dickinson, Michele Romanow, Manjit Minhas and Vincenzo Guzzo. Lane Merrifield and longtime Dragon Jim Treliving–who has been part of the series since its inception back in October 2006–will not be returning for the 2021 season.
"I have so much gratitude for the production team at CBC. As the first Dragon signed to the show, I have been so fortunate to have developed great friendships with my fellow Dragons and CBC staff,” said Treliving. “To the viewers of the show, I can’t thank you enough for your support and kindness over the years.”
Production on the 16th season of Dragons' Den is set to be underway in Toronto later this spring and will likely air in the fall.
