London's 1000 most influential people 2010: Tycoons & Retailers

5 April 2012

Lord Sugar, Amstrad, founder
Best known for hosting TV's The Apprentice, which makes Hackney-born Sugar, left, an influential role model. The ex-Tottenham Hotspur owner has sold Amstrad, the computer and TV box company through which he made his fortune. Failed to impress in his role as a government adviser to Gordon Brown.

Marc Bolland, Marks & Spencer, chief executive
The name's Bolland, Marc Bolland. The Dutch former Heineken chief operations officer, who turned around Morrisons supermarkets before taking the top job at M&S, has something of 007 about him. Dresses sharply, drives a 1967 Aston Martin and has taken up shooting. Has yet to prove he can win top Marks.

Sir Philip Green, Arcadia, owner
No-nonsense tycoon who made a fortune with Arcadia, owner of Topshop and Bhs. Wife Tina lives in Monaco. Canny Sir Philip was brought in by David Cameron to scrutinise Whitehall efficiency and claimed to have found £20 billion in waste. Kate Moss has launched her last Topshop line but Green's daughter Chloe has her own designs.

Sir Martin Sorrell, WPP, chief executive
King of UK advertising who owns scores of agencies, from top media-buyer Group M to creative shops JWT and Ogilvy & Mather and City PR firm Finsbury. Ultra hands-on at 65 and prides himself on his global vision. Wants a third of his business to be digital and a third in emerging markets, led by the BRICs — Brazil, Russia, India and China. Sits on David Cameron's business council.

Willie Walsh, British Airways, chief executive
Five years at the controls and going strong, this steely Irish ex-pilot has seen off recession, striking staff and volcanic ash. Walsh is a doughty defender not only of Heathrow and the foiled third runway but also of the capital itself, recently becoming president of the London Chamber of Commerce.

Lord Wolfson, Next, chief executive
Ennobled in June, Simon Wolfson is a Tory donor and very close to Chancellor George Osborne. Was pivotal in the attack on Labour's plans to raise National Insurance and backed austerity cuts. Was one of the youngest chief executives of an FTSE-100 company, taking over the clothing retailer when he was 33.

Sir Richard Branson, Virgin, founder
Branson is still the greatest advertisement for his brands. He runs more than 400 Virgin companies, including a mobile phone network, an airline and a train company. Intrepid adventurer's 60th birthday plan was to kite-surf the Channel but his really big idea is commercial space travel. Reserve your seats now if you have a spare $200,000.

Lakshmi Mittal, Mittal Arcelor, chief executive
The richest man in Britain recovered from recession to add to his enormous wealth. He has agreed to fund the new Anish Kapoor-designed tower in London's 2012 Olympic Park. Mittal also owns 20 per cent of QPR, where his son-in-law sits on the board.

Justin King, Sainsbury's, chief executive
Dashing former director of food at M&S has done wonders for Sainsbury's, deftly ensuring it doesn't head downmarket and keeping the brand fresh — even with long-serving Jamie Oliver as its face. Drives an eco-friendly hybrid Lexus.

Philip Clarke, Tesco, chief executive-elect
Stacked shelves as a schoolboy and is now the anointed dauphin, taking over from departing Sun King, Sir Terry Leahy. Worked at Tesco since 1981 and has led the march into new markets in Europe and the Far East, seen as an indication of the future for Britain's biggest retailer.

Bob Dudley, BP, chief executive
"Good ol' Bob" grew up in Mississippi and is on a rescue mission to convince America that BP is taking its environmental responsibilities seriously. The first non-British head of BP, he took over from Tony Hayward. He has already made his mark by shaking up the exploration arm involved in the Gulf of Mexico disaster.

Angela Ahrendts, Burberry, chief executive
Savvy, US-born Ahrendts carefully controls Burberry's sales and image. The share price has tripled on her watch, prompting speculation that a City investor could snap up the fashion label, or that Ahrendts may be head-hunted for a big retail job back in America.

Matthew Key, O2, chief executive
Former finance director who "gets" branding, he transformed the Millennium Dome into The O2 arena and has repeated his success by rebranding other London music venues. Landed an exclusive early deal with Apple iPhone and has sold more than three million of them in the UK.

Charlie Mayfield, John Lewis Partnership, chairman
A former Army captain, keen sailor and skier, Mayfield has kept JLP shipshape with surging revenues and profits — proof that Middle Englanders with low mortgages will keep spending on quality at John Lewis and Waitrose. Has warned that January's increase in VAT will hit the economy.

Helen Alexander, Confederation of British Industry, president
The first female president of the employers' lobby group, she took over after almost 25 years at the Economist Group, taking the magazine circulation over a million. Her background is in marketing and she's suitably diplomatic and well-heeled, with a St Paul's and Oxford education.

Brian McBride, Amazon, UK managing director
Scottish boss of Britain's top internet retailer says the age of austerity isn't denting sales — the Kindle reading device was his biggest seller this autumn. McBride has kept expanding Amazon's range, moving into groceries and pet food. Jets north frequently from his Slough base to watch his beloved Celtic.

Charles Dunstone, Carphone Warehouse, chief executive
Well-connected and jolly but has a smart business brain. Built one of the biggest independent mobile phone retailers in Europe in just two decades. Has teamed up with US retail giant Best Buy in a deal that could take Carphone to a new level. No longer an eligible bachelor after marrying a City PR.

Sam Laidlaw, Centrica, chief executive
Low-profile head of the British Gas owner says he should not have to apologise for making "healthy profits". The Old Etonian has warned that harder times lie ahead, as utility companies attempt to switch to more sustainable power sources. His father was chairman of BP.

Nick Robertson, Asos, founder and chief executive
Chelsea supporter Robertson can claim As Seen On Screen as a rare British internet retail success story. Expansion plans in the US are going well, too. Says his early career as an advertising buyer taught him how to haggle. Retail is in the blood — his great-grandfather was Austin Reed.

Robert Swannell, HMV, chairman
Swannell is the former investment banker who saw off Sir Philip Green's bid for M&S and advised Roman Abramovich during his takeover of Chelsea. Now suave Swannell is going to chair Marks from January, adding to his chairmanship of music retailer HMV.

Michael O'Leary, Ryanair, founder
Publicity-mad Irishman said Europe needed a "good, deep, bloody recession" to remove all airlines making a loss. Glories in his "no frills" reputation and has even suggested charging passengers extra for using the loo.

Sir Terry Leahy, Tesco, chief executive
Stepping down after a 14-year stretch during which he transformed Tesco's fortunes to the point that £1 in every £8 on the high street is spent with the retailer. Praised for his introduction of the loyalty card, Leahy has had to defend the company in the past for being "too successful". Will be inundated with job offers.

Michael Ward, Harrods, managing director
After roles at Lloyds Pharmacy and private equity firm Apax, Ward joined Harrods in 2006. Helped Mohamed Fayed collect £1.5 billion when the business was sold to Qataris in May and is staying on at London's most famous department store. Plans include a possible hotel atop the Knightsbridge landmark.

Vittorio Colao, Vodafone, chief executive
Italian and discreet, the ex-McKinsey man has had to keep his nerve during the recession amid shareholder unrest. Although keen on global expansion, he has reduced Vodafone's involvement in China as he streamlines the mobile giant.

Sir Stuart Rose, Marks & Spencer, chairman
Dapper boss of the high street chain steps down next year and recently came out as a Tory at the party conference. Rose is moving into private equity to make serious cash. But expect the silver fox to take up a portfolio of other boardroom offers — and perhaps a peerage.

John Fingleton, Office of Fair Trading, chief executive
Customer-friendly Fingleton has been handed a second five-year term in charge of the regulator. The Irishman's job is to tackle vested interests and he has had a fair few run-ins with the supermarkets. Faces an intriguing merger with rival Competition Commission in so-called Tory "bonfire of the quangos".

Harold Tillman, Jaeger, owner
Serial entrepreneur who revived the fortunes of high street retailer Jaeger, heads the Aquascutum clothing brand and runs Harry Morgan sandwich bars. Has been an energetic, hands-on chairman of the British Fashion Council and created a £1 million scholarship fund for fashion students. He's a natty dresser, too.

Simon Fox, HMV, chief executive
Enjoyed a stellar rise at the music retailer, embracing digital and computer games. A foray into live music has not been entirely successful and there's still a way to go to get Waterstone's book chain to adapt to the internet age. Was touted for top job at ITV and sits on board of the Guardian.

Perry Oosting, Vertu, president
Worked at a string of blue-chip fashion brands including Prada and Gucci before joining the British-based luxury mobile phone manufacturer. Believes in "unrelenting attention to detail" to justify the five-figure price tag for his top smartphones, which even offer their own global restaurant booking service.

Richard Glynn, Ladbrokes, chief executive
Previously the head of spread betting company Sporting Index, he moved to Britain's biggest bookie this year and has already launched a major shake-up. The Oxford rugby blue stands to scoop £12 million if he doubles Ladbrokes' share price in five years.

Kate Swann, WH Smith, chief executive
Swann is credited with the change in fortunes of the stationery giant as she moved away from CDs to embrace newspapers, magazines and other low-cost items. Profits kept rising as she cut costs and focused on the airport sector. Made her name at Coca-Cola, where she suggested using re-sealable plastic bottles.

Paul Marchant, Primark, chief executive
Streetwise operator who was poached from "value" fashion rival New Look to take over from legendary Primark founder Arthur Ryan. Marchant has kept the stores humming and profitable. Preparing to open second megastore on Oxford Street.

Luke Johnson, Risk Capital Partners, founder
Entrepreneur and private equity man who founded Pizza Express is currently chairman of Patisserie Valerie and Giraffe restaurants. Ex-Channel 4 chairman writes a well-regarded column in the FT on business and recently set up a think tank to promote entrepreneurship.

David Kershaw, M&C Saatchi,chief executive
Old-school advertising man who scored a coup by picking up Tory election work — a return to glory for Maggie's favourite agency. Arsenal fan Kershaw says: "It might not be Mad Men but it's still a lot more fun than banking and law."

Bart Becht, Reckitt Benckiser, chief executive
Trousered £90 million last year in share awards for running the consumer goods giant, which makes Cillit Bang and Vanish. The flying Dutchman is based in Slough, employs tens of thousands and spends hundreds of millions a year on advertising.

Dame Marjorie Scardino, Pearson, chief executive
American Scardino proclaims the Financial Times and Penguin publisher is the "world's leading learning company" because it makes two thirds of its money from education. She has been 13 years at the top of the FTSE-100 firm and is showing no signs yet of wanting to retire.

Cilla Snowball, Abbott Mead Vickers, chairman
Charming, courteous boss of London's biggest creative ad agency, Snowball is proud of nurturing long-standing relationships with blue-chip clients such as Sainsbury's and The Economist.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, easyJet, founder
The irrepressibly entrepreneurial Stelios has fingers in many pies. He was at loggerheads with the airline's board but buried the hatchet with a lucrative licensing deal which means he is free to focus on other projects.

Peter Voser, Royal Dutch Shell, chief executive
Hardly a household name yet he is the boss of the biggest company on the Footsie, eclipsing troubled BP. Splits his time between here and Holland. After a tough 2009, profits have come roaring back.

James Caan, Hamilton Bradshaw, chief executive
One of four stars from TV's Dragons' Den on this list, Caan is the highest-profile British-Pakistani businessman. Mayfair-based Hamilton Bradshaw is his day job in private equity and he co-chairs the Ethnic Minority Business Taskforce. Donor to Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund.

Nick Varney, Merlin Entertainments, chief executive
Runs the private equity-backed operators of premier tourist attractions including London Eye, Madame Tussauds, London Dungeon and Alton Towers. Says the secret to success is attention to detail. Studied at LSE and keeps chickens in his garden.

Mark Price, Waitrose, managing director
Dubbed the "chubby grocer", Price has shown an uncanny knack for knowing what Middle England wants — a mixture of quality and value — and reckons he can see "double-digit" growth for years.

Theo Paphitis, Ryman, chairman
TV Dragon and serial retail entrepreneur who runs stationers Ryman. Previously bought lingerie chain La Senza for £1 and sold it for £100 million. Now he is launching new business DNA Lingerie. Born in Cyprus, he is an enthusiastic Londoner and ex-chairman of Millwall Football Club.

Peter Jones, Phones International Group, founder
Another Dragon whose latest brainwaves include a waterproof "floating" mobile phone. He has been in talks with Gordon Ramsay about turning around the chef's troubled empire.

Duncan Bannatyne, Bannatyne Group, founder
Made his money in the care homes industry before branching out into fitness. Born in Scotland, he says entrepreneurs shouldn't fear austerity cuts and sees them as an opportunity. The TV Dragon has criticised the new Equalities Bill, saying it could harm small business.

Robert Senior, Saatchi & Saatchi Fallon, chief executive
Founder of edgy Fallon advertising agency who also oversees Saatchis within French giant Publicis. Famed for Sony Bravia "bouncing balls", Cadbury's drumming gorilla and T-Mobile's "flash mob". Says: "When advertising is done well I can't think of a better business."

Paul Walsh, Diageo, chief executive
King of booze industry whose brands include Guinness and Pimm's. He is on David Cameron's new business council but keeps making noises about relocating overseas because of tax — that gets him an audience.

Peter Dubens, Oakley Capital, founder
Ultra-savvy investor who spotted opportunities in the digital market, launching sports site 365Media and internet provider Pipex, selling both for huge sums before the credit crunch. As well as running his own Oakley fund, he is a partner in well-connected venture capital firm PROfounders.

Andy Hornby, Alliance Boots, chief executive
The comeback kid is doing well at private equity-owned chemists and putting his former Asda marketing experience to good use with clever advertising. Has been able to forget collapse of HBOS bank while he was CEO.

Robert Saville, Mother, co-founder
Runs one of London's biggest independent ad agencies with a reputation for playful work such as "Here Come The Girls" for Boots. Has maintained cutting-edge output for corporate clients such as IKEA and Stella Artois.
Says: "I did not plan this. Everything was created based on intuition."

Johnnie Boden, Boden, founder
Old Etonian whose Middle England clothing suits the David Cameron generation perfectly. Surprisingly successful in exporting Boden mail order chic, particularly to Germany, and a stock market flotation beckons.

Laurence Graff, Graff Diamonds, owner
Son of East End immigrants, the king of bling has made a fortune in international jewellery and remains hands-on. Fathered a child at 71. Splits his time between Gstaad and London.

Joseph Wan, Harvey Nichols, chief executive
Hong Kong-born boss of the swish department store chain reckons this year's profits should be back up to pre-recession levels. Unafraid to criticise Labour and Tories over attack on non-doms and the plans to raise VAT.

Arnaud Bamberger, Cartier, UK executive chairman
Dapper French boss of Richemont-backed luxury goods firm whose smart sponsorship deals have ranged from polo tournaments to the Frieze Art Fair. Well-connected with royals, appropriately he has a Louis XVI desk in his office that he inherited from his father.

Beverley Aspinall, Fortnum & Mason, managing director
"I am democratic in my leadership style," says the unflappable boss of London's poshest grocers, whose revamp of Peter Jones was so good Fortnums poached her. Weak pound has helped to keep tourists and profits flooding in. Educated at a comprehensive. Favourite gadget is her tractor.

Alannah Weston, Selfridges, creative director
Heiress with fashion savvy whose latest investment is newly opened Shoe Galleries. Asked whether there is a cure for women's addiction to expensive shoes, she jokes: "Not available!" The daughter of Selfridges owner Galen gets daily sales figures sent to her mobile.

Sue Whiteley, Louis Vuitton, UK managing director
Elegant British boss of the brand since 2004 who previously ran the Alexander McQueen label at Gucci. After taking an "anchor" store at Westfield in White City, she celebrated with a star-studded opening of the New Bond Street flagship this summer.

Christian Rucker, White Company, founder
Former beauty journalist launched textiles company when she couldn't find good-quality white linen nearly 20 years ago. Now it has an annual turnover of £80 million and Rucker has moved into kitchenware and bath products.

Nick Wheeler, Charles Tyrwhitt, founder
Shirt-maker who adapted well to internet age, selling more shirts than anyone else. Coping with austerity by refusing to raise cost of his cheaper shirts while boosting quality and price of dearer items. "People want good value" is his mantra. Married to Christian Rucker.

Simon Calver, LoveFilm, chief executive
From an industrial estate in Acton, Calver has built a successful online DVD rental business which he is trying to turn into a digital video-on-demand TV service. If he pulls that off, expect a stock market float.

Per Neuman, Estée Lauder, UK managing director
Swedish-born boss whose firm dominates top end of beauty market. A great evangelist for the industry's capacity for reinvention, he brought Lady Gaga to London this year for an Aids fundraiser, highlighting his MAC cosmetics brand.

Viscountess Astor, Oka, chief executive
Samantha Cameron's mother Annabel Astor runs the upmarket furnishing mail order business and has a string of stores, too — including a new flagship on Fulham Road. Used to run the Annabel Jones jewellers — her maiden name.

Emma Bridgewater, Potter
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of her pottery company. Started when she was unable to find a suitable present for her mother. Now has three stores in London, one in Edinburgh and one in Stoke-on-Trent. Profits rose 40 per cent last year.

Cath Kidston, Cath Kidston, founder
Her distinctive floral homeware and clothing has conquered the hearts of yummy mummies and led to Kidston being hailed as this generation's Laura Ashley.

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