Dick Dickson

Chairman

Dick Dickson places a high priority on being the best in the business.

With nearly 50 years experience in the retail industry – 27 of it at Paradies – Dickson has played an instrumental role in successfully directing the company to the extraordinary industry leader it is today. 

Guided by the Paradies family and leading by example with a hands-on approach, Dickson inspires and motivates all employees to work hard and adhere to a code of ethics. He fosters goodwill and makes work an exciting and challenging opportunity for all. 

With a degree in marketing from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Dickson began his early retail career first with Sears, Roebuck & Company, then with J.C. Penney Co.  In 1978, with more than 20 years in the traditional retail environment, Dickson began his career with The Paradies Shops as Operations Manager. 

Dickson quickly grasped the very specialized arena of airport retail and by 1980, was named vice president of operations, where he was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company nationwide. He was named senior vice president in 1982. He then focused on implementing core operating procedures for the company and establishing The Paradies Shops’ brand presence across the United States.

Dickson was appointed president and CEO of The Paradies Shops in May 1994. By 1995, he brought the company into the global market, first opening stores at Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport and then Vancouver International Airport. 

Under his leadership, The Paradies Shops has been honored with awards for achievement and distinction, including the American Minority Advisory Council’s (AMAC) “Business Partner Award” for the company’s progressive Disadvantaged Business Enterprise partnership plan. Additionally, Dickson was honored by AMAC with the “Hall of Fame Award.” Airport Revenue News, the industry’s leading publication, has recognized The Paradies Shops as “Best Airport Retailer” for the past twelve years.

Appointed chairman of The Paradies Shops in 2004, Dickson has been a steady presence, and his charismatic nature is felt throughout the company of almost 3,200 team members. Through his tenacity, creativity and determination, and with a focus on being the best, Dickson has provided a solid foundation that allows the company to achieve success year after year.

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