Debrett‘s announced yesterday, the 2015 Debrett‘s 500, a definitive list of the 500 most influential and inspiring people in Britain today.
The annual list, which covers the whole spectrum of society, including Politics, Advertising and Sport, has quickly established itself as the barometer for outstanding achievement in modern Britain. This year, established personalities such as Tony Blair and Richard Branson are joined by new faces, including Internet sensation Zoe Suggs and Oscar hopeful Eddie Redmayne.
For almost 250 years Debrett‘s has recognised people of influence and achievement in British society. In 1769, Debrett‘s produced the Peerage, and from 1982, they recognised the achievements of over 22,000 people from every spectrum of society, in the People of Today. The annual Debrett‘s 500 extends recognition of the most influential, inspiring and achieving individuals across Britain. The Debrett‘s 500 covers 24 sectors, including Retail. The full list of Retail figures is as follows:
ӢMike Ashley РFounder and Deputy Executive Chairman, Sports Direct
ӢSimon Arora РCEO, B&M
ӢChristopher Bailey РCEOand Chief Creative Officer, Burberry
ӢMatthew Barnes РMD, Aldi UK
ӢMarc Bolland РCEO, Marks & Spencer
ӢSir Charles Dunstone РChairman, TalkTalk and DixonsCarphone
ӢSir Philip Green РChairman, Arcadia Group
ӢRonny Gottschlich РMD, Lidl UK
ӢDavid (Dave) Lewis РCEO, Tesco
ӢSir Charlie Mayfield РChairman, John Lewis Partnership
ӢAndy Street РMD, John Lewis Partnership
ӢJames McCarthy РCEO, Poundland
ӢChristopher North РMD, Amazon UK
ӢNick Robertson, OBE РFounder and CEO, ASOS
ӢTim Steiner РCEO, Ocado
ӢThe Lord Wolfson of Aspley Guise РCEO, Next
Joanne Milner, Chief Executive at Debrett‘s, commented: “We are delighted to announce this year‘s Debrett‘s 500. It‘s a fascinating mix of people, and not entirely who you might expect. Every individual, though, demonstrates outstanding qualities of influence, achievement and inspiration. I think now is the perfect time to consider how we can inspire the next generation of influencers, so that we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has an equal opportunity to succeed. The Debrett‘s Foundation is our way of addressing this issue.”
