As VP of Legal, Dixie Ho heads the legal team for the privately-held, Canadian-owned MBI Brands. Since joining MBI Brands, Dixie was part of the executive team that led the storied Mary Brown’s Chicken brand through a strategic rebrand and aggressive growth plan, as well as the acquisition of the Fat Bastard Burrito brand. Together, MBI Brands has over 300 units throughout Canada and is expanding into Northern Ireland, Mexico, Pakistan, and India. Dixie’s extensive experience in franchising spans all aspects of strategic advice, including franchise development, system compliance, contract management, commercial leasing, legislative compliance, risk management, corporate governance, litigation management, intellectual property procurement and protection, acquisitions, employment law, and international franchise development.
Dixie has a proven track record of enabling business growth and change strategies in franchise organizations, building legal departments, and stakeholder collaboration. Her story in franchising started in her entrepreneurial home, where her parents built their lives as multi-unit franchisees. This deep, personal connection makes her a fierce advocate for the industry and informs her unwavering belief in transformative power of franchising.
Prior to joining MBIB, Dixie practiced franchise law at Canada’s most recognized franchise law boutique in downtown Toronto. Dixie is recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada (Franchise Law) and is a frequent contributor and speaker at franchise industry and franchise law events. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (McGill University, 2002) and a Bachelor of Laws (Dalhousie University, 2006).