Apprentice winner Simon Ambrose unrecognisable 17yrs on from show after quitting Lord Sugar’s firm for a different job
FORMER Apprentice champ Simon Ambrose has changed both his appearance and job since his victory on the show.
Simon, 44, was crowned the winner of The Apprentice 17 yeas ago and was immediately handed a job with Lord Alan Sugar.
Before his triumph, Simon was running his own online shopping business while also working for investment bank Credit Suisse.
But he was able to give it all up after impressing in the final task of series three in 2007.
He and fellow finalist Kristina Grimes were tasked with designing a 'money-making' building for London's South Bank.
Simon's idea incorporated a luxury hotel complex and it was enough to convince Lord Sugar to give him a job in his multi-million pound property division, Amsprop.
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The winner's salary was an impressive £100,000.
Simon continued to work for Lord Sugar as an investment analyst for three years before quitting the firm.
For the next few years, he worked as an investor for several high-end bars and restaurants. He has since set up his own company, Ambrose Property Services.
Simon - who now sports a fuller and darker head of hair - states that he is 'self-employed' on his LinkedIn.
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He says his company deals with 'private residential property investment, refurbishment, development and management'.
Behind closed doors, Simon is now married and has two young children with his wife Tish.
At New Year, the family posed together for a sweet Instagram snap.
Joking with his followers, Simon captioned the shot: "Got my hands full… HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!"
Simon parted ways with Lord Sugar on good terms, having also qualified as a surveyor during his time at Amsprop.
At the time, he said: "Having completed my studies, I felt it was the right time for me to use the invaluable experience I have gained at Amsprop to start up on my own.
"I would like to sincerely thank the staff at Amsprop for all the help, assistance and co-operation they have given me during my three years with the company.
"In particular, I would like to thank Lord Sugar for giving me the opportunity to have such a tremendous apprenticeship at one of the most dynamic property companies around."
There has been 14 more series' of The Apprentice since Simon won.
Next week, Lord Sugar is returning with a new batch of candidates for the 18th series of The Apprentice.
These days, the Lord Sugar offers an investment in the winner's own business, rather than handing them a job with his own firm.
Speaking previously to The Sun about the format change, the business mogul said the original prize infuriated existing employees at his companies who found themselves having to make way for a newbie.
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Lord Alan told the BBC he would quit the show if the prize didn't change.
- The Apprentice returns to BBC1 on Thursday February 1.
