Chairman and chief executive, French Connection
In a bid to revive French Connection’s ailing UK retail business, Stephen Marks devised a raft of initiatives this year, including more budget for in-season buying, price reductions and the launch of a click-and-collect service. Plunging into the red in the first half of the year, the business made a £6.3m loss in the six months to July 31 compared with a £7,000 profit in the same period last year as it resorted to additional discounting. The retailer has also put 14 of its 71 stores up for sale. Marks has slipped some 15 places this year; these initiatives need to come good to reverse the slippery slope.
Did you know? Marks is a former junior Wimbledon player and now owns a tennis academy.
- Last year’s position 69
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