Review of the Year: Revolving boardroom doors

However, one very familiar face took the hot seat at Sports Direct.

Controversial founder Mike Ashley became chief executive of the under-fire retailer when Dave Forsey unexpectedly quit after three decades with the business.

Marks & Spencer boss Marc Bolland was replaced by Steve Rowe, who has since reversed some of the former Dutch boss’s decisions in order to focus on the retailer’s core UK business.

Andy Clarke exited Walmart-owned grocer Asda and was replaced by Sean Clarke – who we’re assured is no relation.

Doug Gurr stepped in as Amazon’s new UK boss, and Lidl got a new chief executive in the form of 34-year-old Christian Härtnagel after Ronny Gottschlich exited the UK chief executive’s seat after six years at the helm.

House of Fraser saw a string of exits, including chief customer officer Andy Harding. Boss Nigel Oddy is set to follow in the new year.

Jim McCarthy retired and was replaced by Kevin O’Byrne at Poundland. O’Byrne then quit six months later to become Sainsbury’s finance boss, following the sale of the value chain to South African conglomerate Steinhoff.

Arguably the most noteworthy move of the year came from British high street stalwart John Lewis.

Following the departure of Andy Street, who quit to run for West Midlands Mayor, the retailer bumped up John Lewis lifer Paula Nickolds to managing director and, in doing so, smashed through the glass ceiling.