Welcome to the first episode of Homegrown DXB, hosted by Omar Butti, the show taking you inside the lives of the people changing yours, right here in Dubai.
Our guest today knows a good deal when she sees it and isn't afraid to drive a hard bargain. Donna Benton first graced the shores of Dubai all way back at the turn of the millennium and her buy one get one free sensation, The Entertainer, has been a fixture of our households ever since. Those who lived through the 2000s and into the 2010s will no doubt have vivid memories of hefty voucher books on coffee tables, regular voucher exchange parties, and new experiences curated by the cut of a coupon. Now all the same deals can be experienced with the tap of an app.
The Entertainer is a juggernaut operating across 15 different countries, but Donna’s journey with the business was anything but straightforward. From the struggle of finding those first partners, to a 50% sale in 2015 and a 100 million dollar exit from The Entertainer in 2018, to a triumphant return as CEO and shepherd of The Entertainer in 2023, Donna is someone who is always looking to get the most out of any opportunity.
