Bobby Dudani

Robert Dudani or Bobby (9 August 1968 - 4 January 2015^[1]) was an Anglo-Indian computer retailer who founded the retail chain CeX.^[2]

In 1992, alongside business partner Paul Farrington, Dudani opened the first CeX store in Tottenham Court Road.

CEX Limited and CEX Games had a combined turnover of more than £9m and in the 12 months to June 1998, and an operating profit just shy of £400,000 - an increase of almost 800 per cent on the previous year. Dudani held the vast bulk of the shares.

The turning point for the business - started on the strength of a £3,000 loan from Dudani's grandparents - came in 1997 when he developed software for testing second-hand hardware to ensure it was fit for resale.

Dudani, who was educated at the private Kensington Court school and the American-affiliated Richmond College, both in London, flunked his business degree. By the time he was 27, he had renamed his shop with the memorable acronym CEX. He put all profits back into the company - a frugality he ascribed to his wealthy background.

Dudani attended Thomas's Kensington and Richmond College - The American College in London.^[3]

He appeared on the British TV show Secret Millionaire.^[4][5]

References