Retail 100 2020: Industry’s most influential leaders revealed

Ranking the sector’s 100 most influential individuals, the Retail 100 celebrates leaders who are transforming retail, speaking out, innovating, making headlines and driving growth. 

This year, the Retail 100 – produced in association with partners Braze, ChannelAdvisor and Salesforce – placed special emphasis on leaders who have stepped up to support their colleagues and customers throughout the coronavirus crisis. 

Lewis hailed Tesco’s turnaround as complete in April, after the supermarket giant delivered a 13.5% increase in full-year operating profit to £2.96bn before exceptional items. But it was Tesco’s response to the health emergency that epitomised the culture and agility Lewis has been able to bring back to the business.

During the crisis, the grocer has more than doubled its online capacity, built pop-up stores at NHS Nightingale sites and was among the first to pay staff a bonus for their work during the outbreak.

While Lewis, winner of the Outstanding Achievement prize at this year’s Retail Week Awards, is leaving the grocer to successor Ken Murphy in October, his influence and involvement in the retail industry are unlikely to stop there.

People and purpose define today’s retail leaders

With company culture placed front and centre during the Covid-19 crisis, it has become more important than ever for leaders to look after their workers, maintain effective communication and be a positive force and voice for the industry.

At a time when the current situation presents retail leaders with the opportunity to do the right thing by their staff, the Retail 100 has celebrated people doing exactly that.

Pets at Home chief executive Peter Pritchard has propelled 36 places on 2019 to 47th – making him the highest riser – having admirably led his team through the crisis. Pets at Home has launched a buddy network to support staff communication, initiatives to promote mental and physical wellbeing, a £1m colleague relief package and donated £100,000 to the industry’s CaRe20 appeal.

Speaking to Retail Week in May, Pritchard said having a sense of purpose and belonging – “a reason which is greater than just taking sales” – has motivated staff throughout the pandemic.

Similarly, Co-op chief executive Steve Murrells has jumped 12 places to rank sixth having played an instrumental part in steering the group through this past year. Murrells kickstarted a Members Coronavirus Fund and has stuck his head above the parapet to lobby for changes that would benefit retail, including an overhaul of the business rates system.

In contrast, while still featured for their influence, Frasers Group’s Mike Ashley and Arcadia’s Sir Philip Green have dropped down in the ranking considerably – both by 15 places – reflecting the missteps they have made in leading their teams and managing their public profiles.

Change is reflected in other areas of the Retail 100, too. There are 23 women recognised, the highest number in the list’s history, with Boohoo co-founder Carol Kane among the top 10. The 100 also features 23 new entries, including people at the helm of emerging retailers and powerful direct-to-consumer brands, to key players shaping grocery and fashion.