Etail Power List 2014: the 50 most powerful people in online retail
1
Chris North
Managing director - Amazon UK
2013 RANK: 1
Amazon’s Chris North seems an immovable presence on the top of the Etail Power List, as the online giant’s hold over UK shoppers grows stronger every year.
The retailer’s phenomenal range, low prices and swift delivery means that customers keep coming back.
Once again the etailer, which North has led in the UK since 2011, took home the coveted Consumer’s Choice gong at the Retail Week Drapers Paypal Etail Awards this year, and UK sales jumped 13% to $7.3bn (£4.3bn) in 2013 and pre-tax profit surged 56% to £17.1m.
Of course, Amazon – which reports most of its European profit through a tax-exempt Luxembourg partnership – is no stranger to controversy. Last year it paid just £9.7m in corporation tax and protests have become commonplace outside its offices.
North has maintained a low profile during the furore and kept the retailer focused on its aim: giving customers what they want at the lowest possible prices.
North comes from a publishing background, previously holding roles in Phaidon and HarperCollins, but he has skillfully expanded Amazon’s UK business beyond its book heritage, turning it into a general merchandise giant.
He wants Amazon to be viewed as the site “where you can buy anything” and says he doesn’t see it running out of opportunities for new business. This year alone the retailer has launched a dress shop and a wearable technology shop in the UK.
Its ever-expanding range has made it a threat to retailers across the spectrum. In fact, when Ocado boss Tim Steiner was asked where its biggest threat would come from in 20 years’ time, his answer was not Tesco but Amazon, which, despite much speculation, has yet to launch its fresh food offer in the UK. But of course, Amazon is more than a retailer – it is a technology, fulfilment, entertainment and payment giant, and where it leads, others generally follow.
North has proven adept at reacting first to consumer trends. Back in 2011 Amazon launched collection lockers in reaction to shoppers getting fed up of waiting at home for goods.
Within just three years retailers such as Tesco, Waitrose and Asos have embraced lockers which, according to Asda vice president for supply chain and ecommerce Gavin Chappell, are likely to become a big part of the retail landscape.
The retailer’s phenomenal range, low prices and swift delivery means that customers keep coming back.
Once again the etailer, which North has led in the UK since 2011, took home the coveted Consumer’s Choice gong at the Retail Week Drapers Paypal Etail Awards this year, and UK sales jumped 13% to $7.3bn (£4.3bn) in 2013 and pre-tax profit surged 56% to £17.1m.
Of course, Amazon – which reports most of its European profit through a tax-exempt Luxembourg partnership – is no stranger to controversy. Last year it paid just £9.7m in corporation tax and protests have become commonplace outside its offices.
North has maintained a low profile during the furore and kept the retailer focused on its aim: giving customers what they want at the lowest possible prices.
North comes from a publishing background, previously holding roles in Phaidon and HarperCollins, but he has skillfully expanded Amazon’s UK business beyond its book heritage, turning it into a general merchandise giant.
He wants Amazon to be viewed as the site “where you can buy anything” and says he doesn’t see it running out of opportunities for new business. This year alone the retailer has launched a dress shop and a wearable technology shop in the UK.
Its ever-expanding range has made it a threat to retailers across the spectrum. In fact, when Ocado boss Tim Steiner was asked where its biggest threat would come from in 20 years’ time, his answer was not Tesco but Amazon, which, despite much speculation, has yet to launch its fresh food offer in the UK. But of course, Amazon is more than a retailer – it is a technology, fulfilment, entertainment and payment giant, and where it leads, others generally follow.
North has proven adept at reacting first to consumer trends. Back in 2011 Amazon launched collection lockers in reaction to shoppers getting fed up of waiting at home for goods.
Within just three years retailers such as Tesco, Waitrose and Asos have embraced lockers which, according to Asda vice president for supply chain and ecommerce Gavin Chappell, are likely to become a big part of the retail landscape.
2
Tim Steiner
Chief executive - Ocado
2013 RANK: 3
After surging up the ranks last year on the back of securing his game-changing Morrisons deal, Ocado boss Tim Steiner has risen one place again this year.
The former Goldman Sachs banker has had a busy year. He has overseen the launch of Morrisons’ ecommerce business, in partnership with Ocado; ventured into click-and-collect for the first time; launched two non-food sites, Fetch and Sizzle; embarked on a huge investment programme; and said goodbye to co-founder Jason Gissing, who left the business earlier this year.
Despite the transformative Morrisons deal, Steiner is still facing heat from the critics. The business – which began trading in 2002 – is yet to make a full year pre-tax profit, irking many analysts.
However, Steiner knows how to fight his corner. In a combative show of smart and unwavering determination, he expertly put forward his case as an often abrasive BBC journalist Declan Curry grilled him on the Retail Week Live stage in March. Curry was so impressed by his opponent’s performance he went to shake his hand afterwards to congratulate him.
It isn’t just the media that has questioned the highly cash-intensive Ocado model though. This year Ocado suffered a shareholders’ revolt. One in five investors voted against its remuneration report, so concerned were they over the retailer’s five-year ‘growth incentive plan’, which could deliver shares, worth £18m at the time, to Steiner.
But Steiner would argue he’s worth it. Through a combination of exclusive products, industry leading service and its ‘low price promise’, he has ensured Ocado is more popular than ever.
And if he can secure further deals like the Morrisons tie-up, the critics are sure to be silenced. Steiner has said he is in ongoing discussions with between 40 and 50 international retailers about striking a partnership and is poised to open a third distribution centre.
With his resolute and confident style, perhaps it won’t be long before he seals another deal as Ocado transforms itself from online grocer to technology provider.
The former Goldman Sachs banker has had a busy year. He has overseen the launch of Morrisons’ ecommerce business, in partnership with Ocado; ventured into click-and-collect for the first time; launched two non-food sites, Fetch and Sizzle; embarked on a huge investment programme; and said goodbye to co-founder Jason Gissing, who left the business earlier this year.
Despite the transformative Morrisons deal, Steiner is still facing heat from the critics. The business – which began trading in 2002 – is yet to make a full year pre-tax profit, irking many analysts.
However, Steiner knows how to fight his corner. In a combative show of smart and unwavering determination, he expertly put forward his case as an often abrasive BBC journalist Declan Curry grilled him on the Retail Week Live stage in March. Curry was so impressed by his opponent’s performance he went to shake his hand afterwards to congratulate him.
It isn’t just the media that has questioned the highly cash-intensive Ocado model though. This year Ocado suffered a shareholders’ revolt. One in five investors voted against its remuneration report, so concerned were they over the retailer’s five-year ‘growth incentive plan’, which could deliver shares, worth £18m at the time, to Steiner.
But Steiner would argue he’s worth it. Through a combination of exclusive products, industry leading service and its ‘low price promise’, he has ensured Ocado is more popular than ever.
And if he can secure further deals like the Morrisons tie-up, the critics are sure to be silenced. Steiner has said he is in ongoing discussions with between 40 and 50 international retailers about striking a partnership and is poised to open a third distribution centre.
With his resolute and confident style, perhaps it won’t be long before he seals another deal as Ocado transforms itself from online grocer to technology provider.
3
Alex Baldock
Chief executive - Shop Direct
2013 RANK: 12
Shop Direct boss Alex Baldock might be relatively new to the world of etail but the former banker has made an impact in his two years in charge of the online retailer.
The owner of Very and Littlewoods finally broke into profit in 2013 and now, after a 10-year wait, there’s no stopping it as earnings are forecast to soar this year. Baldock seems to have invigorated the retailer and its staff are firmly committed to fulfil his mission of turning it into a world-class digital retailer.
Shop Direct has become a true innovator; from working with start-ups to introduce cutting edge technology onto its sites to adopting personalisation software to tailor the customer journey.
Shop Direct is now on a positive trajectory and its newer brands, particularly Very, are growing rapidly.
Very, which was set up in 2009, is now twice the size of Asos in the UK and is still notching up double digit sales growth. And there’s more to go for. The retailer is poised to launch a luxury spin-off site Very Exclusive next February, pairing upmarket products with its established credit offer.
Workaholic Baldock, whose father Brian was formerly the chairman of M&S, is well on his way to creating his own etail legacy at Shop Direct.
The owner of Very and Littlewoods finally broke into profit in 2013 and now, after a 10-year wait, there’s no stopping it as earnings are forecast to soar this year. Baldock seems to have invigorated the retailer and its staff are firmly committed to fulfil his mission of turning it into a world-class digital retailer.
Shop Direct has become a true innovator; from working with start-ups to introduce cutting edge technology onto its sites to adopting personalisation software to tailor the customer journey.
Shop Direct is now on a positive trajectory and its newer brands, particularly Very, are growing rapidly.
Very, which was set up in 2009, is now twice the size of Asos in the UK and is still notching up double digit sales growth. And there’s more to go for. The retailer is poised to launch a luxury spin-off site Very Exclusive next February, pairing upmarket products with its established credit offer.
Workaholic Baldock, whose father Brian was formerly the chairman of M&S, is well on his way to creating his own etail legacy at Shop Direct.
4
Nick Robertson
chief executive - Asos
2013 RANK: 2
It’s not been a vintage year for Asos boss Nick Robertson. What was often viewed as the fashion etailer’s biggest strength – its international prowess – became its downfall as currency fluctuations hit sales in some of its biggest markets, including Australia and Russia.
That forced it to discount stock to stimulate sales and profits were hit. Solving the problem isn’t plain sailing. It means investing in price overseas, which Robertson has already warned may keep profit flat this year.
Asos, once the darling of the stock market, has suffered a share price crash from over 7000p to 2200p over the year.
It would be easy to write Asos off but there is no doubt the combative Robertson will come back fighting. The charismatic former ad man has created a cool brand that resonates with 20-somethings.
Once a plucky start-up, Asos has rewritten how fashion is sold online – engaging content, super-quick delivery and free returns have all been masterstrokes delivered by Robertson.
The entrepreneur is sure to have something up his sleeve to get the etailer firing on all cylinders again.
That forced it to discount stock to stimulate sales and profits were hit. Solving the problem isn’t plain sailing. It means investing in price overseas, which Robertson has already warned may keep profit flat this year.
Asos, once the darling of the stock market, has suffered a share price crash from over 7000p to 2200p over the year.
It would be easy to write Asos off but there is no doubt the combative Robertson will come back fighting. The charismatic former ad man has created a cool brand that resonates with 20-somethings.
Once a plucky start-up, Asos has rewritten how fashion is sold online – engaging content, super-quick delivery and free returns have all been masterstrokes delivered by Robertson.
The entrepreneur is sure to have something up his sleeve to get the etailer firing on all cylinders again.
5
John Walden
chief executive - Home Retail Group
2013 RANK: 8
Walden has broken into the top five of the Etail Power List after a big year for the American, as he was promoted to the helm of Home Retail following Terry Duddy’s departure.
Under his leadership Home Retail’s ecommerce drive has continued apace as Argos has experimented with unique ways of improving fulfilment and opened new-model stores.
Argos has introduced a hub-and-spoke system that involves a larger store acting as a miniature distribution centre.
A ‘hub-to-home’ delivery system is also being prepared that will involve the hub stores being used to deliver direct to customer’s homes and in effect create 140 distribution centres.
The retailer has also extended its groundbreaking tie-up with eBay, which allows shoppers to pick up its orders in Argos stores, to nearly all of its estate.
Argos’ own website is going great guns and is the second biggest ecommerce site in the UK after Amazon in terms of visitor numbers, according to figures from trade body IMRG.
Walden has a background in ecommerce, including an eight-year stretch running US electricals giant Best Buy’s online operation. His reputation for being a digital leader led him to being appointed as chair of the Digital High Streets Advisory Board by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Under his leadership Home Retail’s ecommerce drive has continued apace as Argos has experimented with unique ways of improving fulfilment and opened new-model stores.
Argos has introduced a hub-and-spoke system that involves a larger store acting as a miniature distribution centre.
A ‘hub-to-home’ delivery system is also being prepared that will involve the hub stores being used to deliver direct to customer’s homes and in effect create 140 distribution centres.
The retailer has also extended its groundbreaking tie-up with eBay, which allows shoppers to pick up its orders in Argos stores, to nearly all of its estate.
Argos’ own website is going great guns and is the second biggest ecommerce site in the UK after Amazon in terms of visitor numbers, according to figures from trade body IMRG.
Walden has a background in ecommerce, including an eight-year stretch running US electricals giant Best Buy’s online operation. His reputation for being a digital leader led him to being appointed as chair of the Digital High Streets Advisory Board by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
6
Robin Terrell
Group multichannel director - Tesco
2013 RANK: 4
Robin Terrell has had a meteoric rise at Tesco. The former Amazon and House of Fraser man joined the grocer just last year when he was tasked with turning Tesco into a global multichannel leader.
Earlier this year he was appointed to the UK leadership team and given extra responsibilities including connected devices and Blinkbox. Then last month he was appointed interim boss of the retailer’s UK business after Chris Bush was suspended amid an investigation into accounting issues.
Terrell is one of the most well-respected digital brains in the sector, but has slipped a couple of places in this year’s Etail Power List because Tesco is in turmoil.
The grocer was forced to draft in new chief executive Dave Lewis a month early following another profit warning, then just weeks into the job he had to suspend four directors after an overstatement of half-year profits by £250m.
Terrell is forging ahead with Tesco’s multichannel plans though, and has refocused its grocery home delivery operation by lowering costs for customers and rolling out click-and-collect.
He believes the grocer has the opportunity to be one of, if not the, global multichannel leaders to emerge because of the success of Clubcard and the insight of Tesco-owned data company Dunnhumby. He believes the next digital battleground is about personalisation and that Tesco is well positioned to capitalise on it.
Earlier this year he was appointed to the UK leadership team and given extra responsibilities including connected devices and Blinkbox. Then last month he was appointed interim boss of the retailer’s UK business after Chris Bush was suspended amid an investigation into accounting issues.
Terrell is one of the most well-respected digital brains in the sector, but has slipped a couple of places in this year’s Etail Power List because Tesco is in turmoil.
The grocer was forced to draft in new chief executive Dave Lewis a month early following another profit warning, then just weeks into the job he had to suspend four directors after an overstatement of half-year profits by £250m.
Terrell is forging ahead with Tesco’s multichannel plans though, and has refocused its grocery home delivery operation by lowering costs for customers and rolling out click-and-collect.
He believes the grocer has the opportunity to be one of, if not the, global multichannel leaders to emerge because of the success of Clubcard and the insight of Tesco-owned data company Dunnhumby. He believes the next digital battleground is about personalisation and that Tesco is well positioned to capitalise on it.
7
Andy Harding
Executive director of
multichannel - House of Fraser
multichannel - House of Fraser
2013 RANK:6
Andy Harding is becoming a bit of a multichannel maverick. From click-and-collect only stores, to queue-busting tech to integrating beacons into mannequins in-store, Harding is there first, trying out new ideas in an effort to improve the customer journey.
Harding wants to make shopping as convenient as possible. He is always thinking about how he can simplify the process for the customer and, with the backing of a progressive boardroom, does it.
His initiatives are paying off. House of Fraser’s online sales surged 41% in its full year to January 25. Its multichannel (never omnichannel, Harding hates the word) prowess is understood to be a key reason why House of Fraser’s new Chinese owner Nanjing Cenbest bought the retailer.
And there’s no time for Harding to rest on his laurels. House of Fraser has set the ambitious target of increasing online sales from £300m per annum to £750m by 2017. Harding, who is a keen boxer, looks fit for the fight and will ensure that House of Fraser smashes its target and remains the champ of multichannel retail.
Harding wants to make shopping as convenient as possible. He is always thinking about how he can simplify the process for the customer and, with the backing of a progressive boardroom, does it.
His initiatives are paying off. House of Fraser’s online sales surged 41% in its full year to January 25. Its multichannel (never omnichannel, Harding hates the word) prowess is understood to be a key reason why House of Fraser’s new Chinese owner Nanjing Cenbest bought the retailer.
And there’s no time for Harding to rest on his laurels. House of Fraser has set the ambitious target of increasing online sales from £300m per annum to £750m by 2017. Harding, who is a keen boxer, looks fit for the fight and will ensure that House of Fraser smashes its target and remains the champ of multichannel retail.
8
Mark Lewis
Online director - John Lewis
2013 RANK: 7
John Lewis was one of the first retailers to grasp how transformative a strong omnichannel business can be and under online boss Mark Lewis, the department store group is leveraging bricks-and-clicks more than ever.
The Oxford-educated maths graduate may have slipped down the rankings one place in this year’s Etail Power List, but that is more to do with others rising than him taking his eye off the ball.
In its first half, John Lewis online sales were up 25.6%, and that’s off a strong base. Digital sales now represent 30% of turnover and the retailer expects that to grow to 33% this Christmas. A raft of initiatives will drive this growth, including the extension of the cut-off time for next-day delivery to 8pm and the nationwide roll-out of Collect+ – the fulfilment firm Lewis joined from.
Click-and-collect now makes up nearly 50% of online orders and half of John Lewis’ web traffic comes from mobile and tablet.
John Lewis scooped the Multichannel Retailer of the Year gong at the Oracle Retail Week Awards in March, showing just how ahead of the curve Lewis, a former European boss of eBay, and his team are.
The Oxford-educated maths graduate may have slipped down the rankings one place in this year’s Etail Power List, but that is more to do with others rising than him taking his eye off the ball.
In its first half, John Lewis online sales were up 25.6%, and that’s off a strong base. Digital sales now represent 30% of turnover and the retailer expects that to grow to 33% this Christmas. A raft of initiatives will drive this growth, including the extension of the cut-off time for next-day delivery to 8pm and the nationwide roll-out of Collect+ – the fulfilment firm Lewis joined from.
Click-and-collect now makes up nearly 50% of online orders and half of John Lewis’ web traffic comes from mobile and tablet.
John Lewis scooped the Multichannel Retailer of the Year gong at the Oracle Retail Week Awards in March, showing just how ahead of the curve Lewis, a former European boss of eBay, and his team are.
9
Lord Wolfson
Chief Executive - Next
2013 RANK: 5
Lord Wolfson’s Next is undoubtedly a multichannel leader. The only reason he has moved down the list this year is because he is a victim of his own success.
The retailer, which has benefited from its heritage in home shopping, has been one of the clear leaders in multichannel retail for many years but now his competitors are starting to catch up.
Neverthelesss, what he has achieved is phenomenal. Next’s predominately online Directory business is more profitable than its stores business and the integration of the two – 50% of online orders are delivered to its stores - is evidence that bricks-and-clicks works.
Next’s proposition is good, more than good – excellent. However it is not breaking new ground like some of its rivals such as House of Fraser or John Lewis, to determine not just what customers want now, but want they want next.
Next may not be concentrating on game-changing initiatives but it is constantly improving its offer. One move includes extending next-day delivery to store cut-off from 10pm to midnight to capture core shopping hours.
Next Directory sales surged 16.2% to £694.3m in its first half so the incremental improvement is clearly working.
The retailer, which has benefited from its heritage in home shopping, has been one of the clear leaders in multichannel retail for many years but now his competitors are starting to catch up.
Neverthelesss, what he has achieved is phenomenal. Next’s predominately online Directory business is more profitable than its stores business and the integration of the two – 50% of online orders are delivered to its stores - is evidence that bricks-and-clicks works.
Next’s proposition is good, more than good – excellent. However it is not breaking new ground like some of its rivals such as House of Fraser or John Lewis, to determine not just what customers want now, but want they want next.
Next may not be concentrating on game-changing initiatives but it is constantly improving its offer. One move includes extending next-day delivery to store cut-off from 10pm to midnight to capture core shopping hours.
Next Directory sales surged 16.2% to £694.3m in its first half so the incremental improvement is clearly working.
10
John Roberts
Founder - Ao.com
2013 RANK: 30
Ao.com, the electricals etailer that John Roberts set up as a bet in a pub 14 years ago, was the most talked about UK etailer this year after its £1.2bn IPO in February.
Many scoffed at the hefty valuation for a retailer that at the time turned over just £275.5m but investors were impressed by Roberts’ service-centric model and believed his assertion that Ao.com will be the dominant electricals retailer in Europe in the next 10 years.
It will have undoubtedly stimulated many online retailers to consider a public listing.
It’s easy to see why investors were impressed. Few, even John Lewis, can match Ao.com’s exemplary service and engaging use of social media. The retailer shrewdly uses the goodwill of its many happy customers – it has 1.5m likes on Facebook, more than three times that of rival Curry’s PC World – on social media to build its brand.
Roberts, or JR as he’s known at Ao.com, is a charismatic leader. Down-to-earth but motivational, he believes its his job to galvanize his workforce.
And it’s working. Ao.com, a brand name that didn't exist 18 months ago, is now gaining traction in the UK and launched in Germany this month, Roberts’ quest for European domination is on the way to becoming a reality.
Many scoffed at the hefty valuation for a retailer that at the time turned over just £275.5m but investors were impressed by Roberts’ service-centric model and believed his assertion that Ao.com will be the dominant electricals retailer in Europe in the next 10 years.
It will have undoubtedly stimulated many online retailers to consider a public listing.
It’s easy to see why investors were impressed. Few, even John Lewis, can match Ao.com’s exemplary service and engaging use of social media. The retailer shrewdly uses the goodwill of its many happy customers – it has 1.5m likes on Facebook, more than three times that of rival Curry’s PC World – on social media to build its brand.
Roberts, or JR as he’s known at Ao.com, is a charismatic leader. Down-to-earth but motivational, he believes its his job to galvanize his workforce.
And it’s working. Ao.com, a brand name that didn't exist 18 months ago, is now gaining traction in the UK and launched in Germany this month, Roberts’ quest for European domination is on the way to becoming a reality.
11
Laura Wade-Gery
Executive director, multichannel
- Marks & Spencer
- Marks & Spencer
2013 RANK: 9
Laura Wade-Gery, Marks & Spencer’s executive director of multichannel, has had a busy year, relaunching the retailer’s website, which it now regards as its flagship store.
And Wade-Gery’s responsibilities were extended in June to look after UK retail in a significant reshuffle for the retailer, demonstrating the weight it now gives to multichannel.
Hailed as one of the most experienced and powerful people in multichannel, she is one of the first in the industry to transcend from ecommerce to business leader.
But it hasn’t been an easy year for Wade-Gery. M&S’s new-look website, which took more than two years to prepare, hasn’t had a seamless transition and online sales slumped 8.1% in its first quarter.
M&S chief executive Marc Bolland has said that customers need an adjustment period with the new site but it will be a nervous run-up to Christmas for Wade-Gery to see if shoppers start clicking.
However, former Tesco.com boss Wade-Gery is confident she can transform M&S’s online business, aiming to make it as profitable as its stores division in the next three years. To do that she is attempting to drive sales from the 19 million of its 34 million customers who do not shop online. Let’s hope that rebrand takes off then.
And Wade-Gery’s responsibilities were extended in June to look after UK retail in a significant reshuffle for the retailer, demonstrating the weight it now gives to multichannel.
Hailed as one of the most experienced and powerful people in multichannel, she is one of the first in the industry to transcend from ecommerce to business leader.
But it hasn’t been an easy year for Wade-Gery. M&S’s new-look website, which took more than two years to prepare, hasn’t had a seamless transition and online sales slumped 8.1% in its first quarter.
M&S chief executive Marc Bolland has said that customers need an adjustment period with the new site but it will be a nervous run-up to Christmas for Wade-Gery to see if shoppers start clicking.
However, former Tesco.com boss Wade-Gery is confident she can transform M&S’s online business, aiming to make it as profitable as its stores division in the next three years. To do that she is attempting to drive sales from the 19 million of its 34 million customers who do not shop online. Let’s hope that rebrand takes off then.
12
Tanya Lawler
Vice president - eBay UK
2013 RANK: 26
EBay UK celebrated its 15th birthday this year, providing a good opportunity to reflect on what it has achieved. Alongside other online leaders such as Amazon and Asos, EBay has helped to revolutionise how people shop.
Under Lawler’s steady leadership, eBay continues to push the envelope in areas important to every retailer – the most obvious being delivery and customer experience.
A few initiatives stand out from the last 12 months. Its tie-up with Argos, whereby shoppers can collect their eBay orders from Argos stores, has been extended to more include sellers and stores.
The marketplace also launched a suite of new features in March, including a curation tool called eBay Collections that enables shoppers to create a collection of their favourite products on the site. A bit like curation site Pinterest, the list can be categorised in different ways and the idea is to inspire people – and help them manage the huge range of products on the site.
Under Lawler’s steady leadership, eBay continues to push the envelope in areas important to every retailer – the most obvious being delivery and customer experience.
A few initiatives stand out from the last 12 months. Its tie-up with Argos, whereby shoppers can collect their eBay orders from Argos stores, has been extended to more include sellers and stores.
The marketplace also launched a suite of new features in March, including a curation tool called eBay Collections that enables shoppers to create a collection of their favourite products on the site. A bit like curation site Pinterest, the list can be categorised in different ways and the idea is to inspire people – and help them manage the huge range of products on the site.
13
Christopher Bailey
Burberry
NEW ENTRY
Upmarket brands have been reluctant to adopt ecommerce fearing the environment luxury shoppers receive in store cannot be replicated online. However, Burberry has blown away that misconception. The luxury British brand has put digital at the heart of its strategy.
Unlike other luxury brands it is not concerned with online replicating its store experience, in its Regent Street flagship, Burberry has vied to make the store as immersive as its website.
Its focus on online has paid off. Ecommerce was a key driver of Burberry’s growth in the second half of last year as weak footfall in store was offset by online traffic and conversion growing.
It is a digital pioneer. Be it through social – it dabbled with m-commerce this year with a ‘tweet to buy’ button on Twitter launched ahead of London Fashion Week – or its live streamed catwalk shows, Burberry brings fashion and technology together in a way that engages the consumer.
Bailey, who took over from Angela Ahrendts as Burberry boss in May, oversees its digital strategy and in his many years at the retailer has helped instill the culture of innovation that is so prevalent today.
Unlike other luxury brands it is not concerned with online replicating its store experience, in its Regent Street flagship, Burberry has vied to make the store as immersive as its website.
Its focus on online has paid off. Ecommerce was a key driver of Burberry’s growth in the second half of last year as weak footfall in store was offset by online traffic and conversion growing.
It is a digital pioneer. Be it through social – it dabbled with m-commerce this year with a ‘tweet to buy’ button on Twitter launched ahead of London Fashion Week – or its live streamed catwalk shows, Burberry brings fashion and technology together in a way that engages the consumer.
Bailey, who took over from Angela Ahrendts as Burberry boss in May, oversees its digital strategy and in his many years at the retailer has helped instill the culture of innovation that is so prevalent today.
14
Mahmud Kamani and
Carol Kane
Carol Kane
Co-chief executives
- Boohoo.com
- Boohoo.com
NEW ENTRY
Rag trade veteran Mahmud Kamani used to supply retailers such as Primark, Topshop and New Look before the internet offered him an opportunity to sell direct and Boohoo.com was born.
Together with co-chief executive Carol Kane, a former designer and fashion buyer, they have built Boohoo into a value fashion player to be reckoned with.
The retailer notched up sales of £109m in the year to February 29, and is growing at a pace. Sales were up 62% on last year, and jumped a further 31% in the following half to August. This growth story was lapped up by investors when it floated in March for £560m.
Like Asos, Boohoo has its sights on international markets. It already serves shoppers from 100 countries but it is now tailoring the offer for them with country-specific websites launched in France, Spain and Germany, with Italy, Scandinavia, Russia and even China on its radar.
But there’s one way in which Boohoo trumps even Asos – its margins. This is where Kamani and Kane’s expertise comes to the fore. The retailer, which is known for its on-trend, cheap fashion, sells only own brand and exemplary sourcing means it achieves margins of over 60%.
Kamani and Kane are a complementary pair. He is outspoken and larger than life, while she is more methodical and diplomatic. Together, they make an etail dream team.
Together with co-chief executive Carol Kane, a former designer and fashion buyer, they have built Boohoo into a value fashion player to be reckoned with.
The retailer notched up sales of £109m in the year to February 29, and is growing at a pace. Sales were up 62% on last year, and jumped a further 31% in the following half to August. This growth story was lapped up by investors when it floated in March for £560m.
Like Asos, Boohoo has its sights on international markets. It already serves shoppers from 100 countries but it is now tailoring the offer for them with country-specific websites launched in France, Spain and Germany, with Italy, Scandinavia, Russia and even China on its radar.
But there’s one way in which Boohoo trumps even Asos – its margins. This is where Kamani and Kane’s expertise comes to the fore. The retailer, which is known for its on-trend, cheap fashion, sells only own brand and exemplary sourcing means it achieves margins of over 60%.
Kamani and Kane are a complementary pair. He is outspoken and larger than life, while she is more methodical and diplomatic. Together, they make an etail dream team.
15
Gavin Chappell
Vice president for supply chain
and ecommerce - Asda
and ecommerce - Asda
NEW ENTRY
Asda has been exceptionally busy in the last few months ensuring that it stays ahead of the curve in multichannel retail.
And Gavin Chappell is the man leading the charge. Despite being new to online – he only added responsibility for ecommerce to his existing role of supply chain director in May – Chappell is already making himself a vocal presence in online retail, and spoke at Retail Week’s Tech & Ecomm Summit last month.
In the short time since taking on the role, Chappell has led massive expansion of Asda’s multichannel capabilities. The grocer unveiled its acquisition of click-and-collect pod technology last month, which enables customers’ online orders to be delivered to standalone temperature-controlled units.
The pods, which will be piloted early next year in London and the Southeast, are expected to process more than 10 times as many customer orders than existing click-and-collect sites.
Asda also plans to increase its click-and-collect points from 400 to 600, expand its drive-thru click-and-collect sites and increase its same-day click-and-collect services to 100 new locations to bring the total to 350.
As if that wasn’t keeping him busy enough, Chappell will also oversee the streamlining of Asda’s online offer from three sites to two, Asda.com and George.com in February next year.
And Gavin Chappell is the man leading the charge. Despite being new to online – he only added responsibility for ecommerce to his existing role of supply chain director in May – Chappell is already making himself a vocal presence in online retail, and spoke at Retail Week’s Tech & Ecomm Summit last month.
In the short time since taking on the role, Chappell has led massive expansion of Asda’s multichannel capabilities. The grocer unveiled its acquisition of click-and-collect pod technology last month, which enables customers’ online orders to be delivered to standalone temperature-controlled units.
The pods, which will be piloted early next year in London and the Southeast, are expected to process more than 10 times as many customer orders than existing click-and-collect sites.
Asda also plans to increase its click-and-collect points from 400 to 600, expand its drive-thru click-and-collect sites and increase its same-day click-and-collect services to 100 new locations to bring the total to 350.
As if that wasn’t keeping him busy enough, Chappell will also oversee the streamlining of Asda’s online offer from three sites to two, Asda.com and George.com in February next year.
16
Matthew Moulding
Chief executive - The Hut Group
2013 RANK: 10
The fact that Moulding has dropped has more to do with the amazing feats of others rather than any fault on his part.
The Hut Group’s sales continues to grow, rising from £157.2m to £184.3m in 2013 while pre-tax profit jumped from £308,000 to £3.97m. The retailer, which has long been touted to float, is thought to have attracted the interest of private equity giant KKR, which is eyeing a 20% stake in the business for £100m.
It is not the only big hitter that The Hut has caught the eye of. It’s investor list reads like a who’s who of retail, from Sir Stuart Rose to Sir Terry Leahy.
The Hut Group added to its vast array of brands this year – which already includes everything from fashion to health supplements – with classified site Preloved. The site is similar to Gumtree and the etail group has vowed to “disrupt” the property market.
Entrepreneur Moulding, who previously worked at Phones 4u tycoon John Caudwell’s business Caudwell Group, prides himself on being a disrupter. He has a clear vision of what works – he generally sticks to a model of selling FMCG goods that have a high level of repeat purchase – and has formed a dynamic team of traders around him.
He embraces young talent and it is not unusual to meet a managing director in their early 20s – usually with a first from Oxbridge – in its Northwich office.
The Hut Group’s sales continues to grow, rising from £157.2m to £184.3m in 2013 while pre-tax profit jumped from £308,000 to £3.97m. The retailer, which has long been touted to float, is thought to have attracted the interest of private equity giant KKR, which is eyeing a 20% stake in the business for £100m.
It is not the only big hitter that The Hut has caught the eye of. It’s investor list reads like a who’s who of retail, from Sir Stuart Rose to Sir Terry Leahy.
The Hut Group added to its vast array of brands this year – which already includes everything from fashion to health supplements – with classified site Preloved. The site is similar to Gumtree and the etail group has vowed to “disrupt” the property market.
Entrepreneur Moulding, who previously worked at Phones 4u tycoon John Caudwell’s business Caudwell Group, prides himself on being a disrupter. He has a clear vision of what works – he generally sticks to a model of selling FMCG goods that have a high level of repeat purchase – and has formed a dynamic team of traders around him.
He embraces young talent and it is not unusual to meet a managing director in their early 20s – usually with a first from Oxbridge – in its Northwich office.
17
Anders Holch Povlsen
Owner - Bestseller
2013 RANK: 34
Bestseller tycoon Povlsen has a flair for spotting a canny etail investment.
He may have made his billions through Jack & Jones and Vero Moda owner Bestseller’s 5,000 stores, But he spotted early that online was a platform with huge potential. He has built up a 27% stake in Asos, making him its largest shareholder, and snapped up a 10% stake in European rival Zalando, which floated this month on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Speculation has long circulated that Povlsen is plotting a takeover of Asos but there has been no sign of that. However, he built a further foothold in UK ecommerce this year by snapping up off-price retailer MandM Direct.
Povlsen believes the European discount fashion market is a big growth opportunity and the online channel will emerge as a major force.
Bestseller is little known in the UK with only a handful of stores in the country. However, with a growing portfolio of UK business interests, he is becoming the money man that people want to impress in ecommerce.
He may have made his billions through Jack & Jones and Vero Moda owner Bestseller’s 5,000 stores, But he spotted early that online was a platform with huge potential. He has built up a 27% stake in Asos, making him its largest shareholder, and snapped up a 10% stake in European rival Zalando, which floated this month on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Speculation has long circulated that Povlsen is plotting a takeover of Asos but there has been no sign of that. However, he built a further foothold in UK ecommerce this year by snapping up off-price retailer MandM Direct.
Povlsen believes the European discount fashion market is a big growth opportunity and the online channel will emerge as a major force.
Bestseller is little known in the UK with only a handful of stores in the country. However, with a growing portfolio of UK business interests, he is becoming the money man that people want to impress in ecommerce.
18
Simon Pritchard
Group ecommerce director -
Arcadia
Arcadia
2013 RANK: 25
2014 has been a significant year for Simon Pritchard, group ecommerce director at Sir Philip Green’s fashion empire Arcadia, with the international online roll-out of its key brands.
Last month, Topshop and Miss Selfridge launched online in China, teaming up with local etailer ShangPin.com in a significant move for the brands’ global growth. Topshop has two stores in Hong Kong and none in China and its thought its online debut will pave the way for expansion in the country.
At the same time Topshop and Topman launched on Zalando last month as it seeks to bolsters its European business. And there were reports earlier this year that Dorothy Perkins was to launch on Indian online platform Jabong.
In addition, Pritchard has ensured Arcadia continues to lead the way with innovation in the highly competitive high street fashion market.
At London Fashion Week, Topshop used technology that connected Instagram with an interactive store front, enabling shoppers to post pictures on its Oxford Street store window. And, signifying a turning point in the way brands can use social networks to engage with their customers, Topshop used Facebook to unveil some of its collection rather than on the runway at LFW.
It is devoting such attention to customers, rather than fashion press, that will keep them coming back to its website.
Last month, Topshop and Miss Selfridge launched online in China, teaming up with local etailer ShangPin.com in a significant move for the brands’ global growth. Topshop has two stores in Hong Kong and none in China and its thought its online debut will pave the way for expansion in the country.
At the same time Topshop and Topman launched on Zalando last month as it seeks to bolsters its European business. And there were reports earlier this year that Dorothy Perkins was to launch on Indian online platform Jabong.
In addition, Pritchard has ensured Arcadia continues to lead the way with innovation in the highly competitive high street fashion market.
At London Fashion Week, Topshop used technology that connected Instagram with an interactive store front, enabling shoppers to post pictures on its Oxford Street store window. And, signifying a turning point in the way brands can use social networks to engage with their customers, Topshop used Facebook to unveil some of its collection rather than on the runway at LFW.
It is devoting such attention to customers, rather than fashion press, that will keep them coming back to its website.
19
Niall Sutherland
Associate director of ecommerce
- Sports Direct
- Sports Direct
2013 RANK: 11
Though he does not have a high profile within the industry, Sutherland is a key part of Mike Ashley’s team at Sports Direct.
He is a member of the senior group that reportedly meets Ashley for three intensive days of meetings to debate about strategy over a drink in a company-owned hotel with meetings lasting into the wee hours.
The unique approach clearly pays dividends because Sports Direct’s online sales continue to rise – they increased by 26.8% in the year ending April 17, 2014.
He is a member of the senior group that reportedly meets Ashley for three intensive days of meetings to debate about strategy over a drink in a company-owned hotel with meetings lasting into the wee hours.
The unique approach clearly pays dividends because Sports Direct’s online sales continue to rise – they increased by 26.8% in the year ending April 17, 2014.
20
Robin Phillips
Multichannel director
- Boots
- Boots
2013 RANK: 23
It’s no surprise that Robin Phillips’ talents were spotted by Boots, which he joined this month, after he consistently delivered rocketing online sales at Waitrose.Only a few years ago Waitrose relied entirely on Ocado for its online offer. But with a break clause in their partnership nearing in 2017, Waitrose is putting its foot firmly on the gas to improve its own operations.
Only a few years ago Waitrose relied entirely on Ocado for its online offer. But with a break clause in their partnership nearing in 2017, Waitrose is putting its foot firmly on the gas to improve its own operations.
Robin Phillips has played a critical role in the growth of one of the fastest growing grocers in the UK. In its first half Waitrose’s online arm generated gross sales of £161m, up a whopping 54%, and the grocer is investing to better support the fastest growing part of its business.
Boots, too, seems a good fit for keen botanist Phillips.
Boots will benefit from an operator who knows how to gain the most out the multichannel mode.
At Waitrose he has rolled out click-and-collect to third-party locations, where it is piloting what it claims is an industry first: automated, temperature-controlled lockers in 10 locations on transport networks, including car parks at Gatwick.
He has also led the launch of a standalone specialist wine site, Waitrose Cellar.
All eyes will be on Boots to see how Phillips can enhance its multichannel credentials
Only a few years ago Waitrose relied entirely on Ocado for its online offer. But with a break clause in their partnership nearing in 2017, Waitrose is putting its foot firmly on the gas to improve its own operations.
Robin Phillips has played a critical role in the growth of one of the fastest growing grocers in the UK. In its first half Waitrose’s online arm generated gross sales of £161m, up a whopping 54%, and the grocer is investing to better support the fastest growing part of its business.
Boots, too, seems a good fit for keen botanist Phillips.
Boots will benefit from an operator who knows how to gain the most out the multichannel mode.
At Waitrose he has rolled out click-and-collect to third-party locations, where it is piloting what it claims is an industry first: automated, temperature-controlled lockers in 10 locations on transport networks, including car parks at Gatwick.
He has also led the launch of a standalone specialist wine site, Waitrose Cellar.
All eyes will be on Boots to see how Phillips can enhance its multichannel credentials
21
Jonathan Brown
Chief executive - MandM Direct
2013 RANK: 19
Former John Lewis online boss Jonathon Brown has had a stellar year at discount etailer MandM Direct. The retailer opted to end its IPO process when it caught Bestseller tycoon Anders Holch Povlsen’s eye. He bought the business for £140m in June.
Povlsen knows how to spot a good etail business. He is Asos’ largest shareholder and also holds a stake in German etailer Zalando.
Brown, who joined MandM in 2012, got the discount etailer back into growth. Full year EBITDA rose 21% to £10.5m in the year to February 23 while sales increased 9% to £118.9m.
The likeable Scotsman has grand plans for MandM Direct. He is planning to launch more overseas websites and is even eyeing spin-off sites in the UK.
Povlsen knows how to spot a good etail business. He is Asos’ largest shareholder and also holds a stake in German etailer Zalando.
Brown, who joined MandM in 2012, got the discount etailer back into growth. Full year EBITDA rose 21% to £10.5m in the year to February 23 while sales increased 9% to £118.9m.
The likeable Scotsman has grand plans for MandM Direct. He is planning to launch more overseas websites and is even eyeing spin-off sites in the UK.
22
Jeremy Fennell
Multichannel director -
Dixons Carphone
Dixons Carphone
2013 RANK: 44
Fennell may be a Dixons lifer but his world changed dramatically this year as Dixons Retail and Carphone Warehouse merged this year.
The retailer is now making a big play around the potential of the connected home and it will be up to Fennell to help steer the company through the transformation around the internet of things.
The newly merged retailer is combining its legacy IT systems and Fennell argues this will create a “huge competitive and customer servicing benefit”.
Both Dixons and Carphone are keen to capitalise on the multichannel opportunity the merger provides and aim to develop a formidable click-and-collect presence across the two retailers’ estate. Sounds like Fennell and his team have lots to do.
The retailer is now making a big play around the potential of the connected home and it will be up to Fennell to help steer the company through the transformation around the internet of things.
The newly merged retailer is combining its legacy IT systems and Fennell argues this will create a “huge competitive and customer servicing benefit”.
Both Dixons and Carphone are keen to capitalise on the multichannel opportunity the merger provides and aim to develop a formidable click-and-collect presence across the two retailers’ estate. Sounds like Fennell and his team have lots to do.
23
Jon Rudoe
Digital and technology
director - Sainsbury’s
director - Sainsbury’s
2013 RANK: 32
Earlier this year, Jon Rudoe joined the Sainsbury’s operating board as digital and technology director in a promotion that recognised the importance of online to the grocer. His move up was part of new boss Mike Coupe’s building of his top team.
Former Ocado man Rudoe joined Sainsbury’s in 2011 and helped turn its grocery online operation into a billion-pound business.
He has driven operational improvements, and led the launch of a new platform for grocery sales.
His power is likely to strengthen because Coupe is understood to be more digitally minded than his predecessor so Rudoe’s part in Sainsbury’s future is likely to grow.
Former Ocado man Rudoe joined Sainsbury’s in 2011 and helped turn its grocery online operation into a billion-pound business.
He has driven operational improvements, and led the launch of a new platform for grocery sales.
His power is likely to strengthen because Coupe is understood to be more digitally minded than his predecessor so Rudoe’s part in Sainsbury’s future is likely to grow.
24
Angela Spindler
Chief executive - N Brown
2013 RANK: 39
A year into her role as boss of home shopping group N Brown, Angela Spindler has made her mark in what she called a “transitional” year for the group.
It is not just because N Brown is one of the first home shopping retailers to push into bricks and mortar in a big way, opening the doors to its Simply Be and Jacamo store on Oxford Street last month.
She has also revamped brands and overhauled the way the business operates, bringing a more modern approach and preparing it for long-term growth.
Spindler is confident she can turn N Brown into a “progressive” retailer. She has been focusing efforts on customer recruitment to widen its reach and has recruited celebrities Kelly Brook and Lorraine Kelly to drive awareness of its plus-size brands, which its Oxford Street store should help boost.
N Brown predecessor Alan White was praised for the work he did in his 25 years at the retailer but, from the work she’s done in her busy first year, it looks like the group has chosen a worthy replacement in Spindler.
It is not just because N Brown is one of the first home shopping retailers to push into bricks and mortar in a big way, opening the doors to its Simply Be and Jacamo store on Oxford Street last month.
She has also revamped brands and overhauled the way the business operates, bringing a more modern approach and preparing it for long-term growth.
Spindler is confident she can turn N Brown into a “progressive” retailer. She has been focusing efforts on customer recruitment to widen its reach and has recruited celebrities Kelly Brook and Lorraine Kelly to drive awareness of its plus-size brands, which its Oxford Street store should help boost.
N Brown predecessor Alan White was praised for the work he did in his 25 years at the retailer but, from the work she’s done in her busy first year, it looks like the group has chosen a worthy replacement in Spindler.
25
Ajay Kavan
Vice president
- Amazon
- Amazon
2013 RANK: 24
Kavan is understood to have taken on a global development role at Amazon this year.
He was previously vice-president of consumables in the UK, overseeing some of Amazon UK’s largest categories, including health and beauty, mother and baby, and pets. He was also leading Amazon’s fledgling grocery offer.
Kavan, a former Homebase marketing and strategy director, was key lieutenant of Amazon UK boss Chris North, so it is no big surprise he has progressed to a global role.
Kavan is an ecommerce veteran, launching Littlewoods’ website back in 1998
He was previously vice-president of consumables in the UK, overseeing some of Amazon UK’s largest categories, including health and beauty, mother and baby, and pets. He was also leading Amazon’s fledgling grocery offer.
Kavan, a former Homebase marketing and strategy director, was key lieutenant of Amazon UK boss Chris North, so it is no big surprise he has progressed to a global role.
Kavan is an ecommerce veteran, launching Littlewoods’ website back in 1998
26
Gareth Jones
Deputy Chief Executive
- Shop Direct
- Shop Direct
NEW ENTRY
Jones seems to have the Midas touch. He joined Shop Direct from Phones 4u in 2009 to launch young etailer Very. He drove dramatic growth at Very, which is now the growth engine of the business and double the size of Asos in the UK.
Jones’ talents were spotted at a young age. He was hired by Phones 4u tycoon John Caudwell aged just 21 after winning a TV show, a precursor to The Apprentice. He rose through the ranks quickly at Phones 4u, becoming managing director of its online business.
He is now Shop Direct boss Alex Baldock’s right-hand man and was promoted to deputy chief executive this year.
Jones’ talents were spotted at a young age. He was hired by Phones 4u tycoon John Caudwell aged just 21 after winning a TV show, a precursor to The Apprentice. He rose through the ranks quickly at Phones 4u, becoming managing director of its online business.
He is now Shop Direct boss Alex Baldock’s right-hand man and was promoted to deputy chief executive this year.
27
Jon Kamaluddin
Former director
- Asos
- Asos
NEW ENTRY
Kamaluddin, the man responsible for building Asos’ colossal international business, left the business back in December and is now looking to spot the next big thing in etail. He is thought to have a variety of non-executive roles in the pipeline.
As one would expect given his background, he is eyeing fast growing online businesses and wants to help them internationalise. Kamaluddin has already invested in homewares etailer Secret Linen and has joined the board of payment solution firm Klarna, however he is a man in demand, and further appointments are set to follow.
As one would expect given his background, he is eyeing fast growing online businesses and wants to help them internationalise. Kamaluddin has already invested in homewares etailer Secret Linen and has joined the board of payment solution firm Klarna, however he is a man in demand, and further appointments are set to follow.
28
Bertrand Bodson
Chief digital officer
- Home Retail Group
- Home Retail Group
2013 RANK: 38
Former EMI Music global digital boss Bertrand Bodson added a bit of digital verve to the Argos team when he swapped Katy Perry for kitchen scales and joined the retailer last year. He was tasked with the weighty task of “reinventing Argos”.
But Bodson has risen to the task. So far he has launched augmented reality in its catalogues, developed a digital hub to spur innovation and played a part in developing its new generation digital stores.
Bodson is no stranger to innovation. He was co-founder of Bragster.com, the largest social community for “bragging, boasting and daring”, which was bought by the Guinness World Records.
Bodson had plenty to brag about himself this year when he was promoted to the new role of chief digital officer across Home Retail Group, Argos and Homebase’s owner.
But Bodson has risen to the task. So far he has launched augmented reality in its catalogues, developed a digital hub to spur innovation and played a part in developing its new generation digital stores.
Bodson is no stranger to innovation. He was co-founder of Bragster.com, the largest social community for “bragging, boasting and daring”, which was bought by the Guinness World Records.
Bodson had plenty to brag about himself this year when he was promoted to the new role of chief digital officer across Home Retail Group, Argos and Homebase’s owner.
29
Jonathan Wall
Group ecommerce director
Shop Direct
Shop Direct
2013 RANK: 29
Shop Direct ecommerce director Jonathan Wall is helping to transform Littlewoods’ owner into a cutting edge online business and has spearheaded its adoption of new technologies by working with innovative start-ups.
His team is central to chief executive Alex Baldock’s strategy to personalise the customer journey. Personalisation is often talked about in etail, but few are achieving results – apart from Wall that is. The retailer has tailored its emails based on browsing and buying data, has introduced ‘recently viewed’ recommendations and is piloting personalised navigation and user-specific content on its homepage.
Outside work, ardent Liverpool fan Wall can be found cheering on the Reds, but unlike Gerrard and co is unlikely to take his eye off the ball.
His team is central to chief executive Alex Baldock’s strategy to personalise the customer journey. Personalisation is often talked about in etail, but few are achieving results – apart from Wall that is. The retailer has tailored its emails based on browsing and buying data, has introduced ‘recently viewed’ recommendations and is piloting personalised navigation and user-specific content on its homepage.
Outside work, ardent Liverpool fan Wall can be found cheering on the Reds, but unlike Gerrard and co is unlikely to take his eye off the ball.
30
David Walmsley
Multichannel development director
Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer
2013 RANK: 16
M&S.com director David Walmsley is multichannel and retail executive director Laura Wade-Gery’s right-hand man.
He helped her oversee the business’s website relaunch to a more content-driven site and will be keen to see sales return to normal after the ‘bedding in’ phase meant online sales fell 8.1% in the first quarter.
Walmsley, former Dixons director of ecommerce, last year oversaw implementation of M&S’s digital innovation labs and the launch of its flagship multichannel Cheshire Oaks store.
He helped her oversee the business’s website relaunch to a more content-driven site and will be keen to see sales return to normal after the ‘bedding in’ phase meant online sales fell 8.1% in the first quarter.
Walmsley, former Dixons director of ecommerce, last year oversaw implementation of M&S’s digital innovation labs and the launch of its flagship multichannel Cheshire Oaks store.
31
Sophie Cornish and
Holly Tucker
Holly Tucker
Co-founders -
NotOnTheHighStreet.com
NotOnTheHighStreet.com
2013 RANK: 28
The marketplace model is becoming more prominent in retail, and NotOnTheHighStreet was one of the first to make the most of it.
Its personalised gift offer has become a big draw to customers seeking something special for loved ones, and it has held its own in a gifting market that is under pressure from cash-strapped consumers.
NotOnTheHighStreet is growing its empire outside the UK with the launch of its first international website in Germany. The site has become a UK etail stalwart,it will take a brave person to bet against it doing the same in the Continent.
Its personalised gift offer has become a big draw to customers seeking something special for loved ones, and it has held its own in a gifting market that is under pressure from cash-strapped consumers.
NotOnTheHighStreet is growing its empire outside the UK with the launch of its first international website in Germany. The site has become a UK etail stalwart,it will take a brave person to bet against it doing the same in the Continent.
32
Simon Forster
Executive Director -
Multichannel, Marketing & Supply Chain
Multichannel, Marketing & Supply Chain
2013 RANK: 36
Selfridges director of multichannel Simon Forster was brought in to the iconic retailer in 2013 to bring its online offer into the 21st century.
Since then Forster, former director of Debenhams.com, has introduced click-and-collect, launched a drive-thru service at its Oxford Street store last year, and Selfridges online has begun delivering to overseas customers.
Now Forster has a £40m cash pot to invest in making its website fit for the future, which means mobile responsive, easy to use and filled to the brim with content.
He is also determined to bring luxury retailers, which have so far been reluctant to embrace ecommerce, into the digital age. Selfridges launched Cartier on the online version of its Wonder Room this year and Forster expects to bring all of the ultra luxe brands in the department onto its site within the next year. In short, Forster has started putting Selfridges, and luxury fashion, on the multichannel map.
Since then Forster, former director of Debenhams.com, has introduced click-and-collect, launched a drive-thru service at its Oxford Street store last year, and Selfridges online has begun delivering to overseas customers.
Now Forster has a £40m cash pot to invest in making its website fit for the future, which means mobile responsive, easy to use and filled to the brim with content.
He is also determined to bring luxury retailers, which have so far been reluctant to embrace ecommerce, into the digital age. Selfridges launched Cartier on the online version of its Wonder Room this year and Forster expects to bring all of the ultra luxe brands in the department onto its site within the next year. In short, Forster has started putting Selfridges, and luxury fashion, on the multichannel map.
33
Ross Clemmow
Ecommerce director - Debenhams
2013 RANK: 13
It’s a steep drop for Debenhams multichannel director Ross Clemmow but weaknesses in its multichannel offer were blamed for the retailer’s poor Christmas last year.
Chief executive Michael Sharp said during the festive period customers were shopping around for convenient next day delivery or a late cut-off for delivery, but Debenhams was found lacking.
However, Clemmow has been busy improving Debs’ offer to put it in good shape for this Christmas, including launching next-day click-and-collect, extending the next-day delivery cut-off from 2pm to 10pm to capture peak shopping hours and introducing nominated-day delivery, including Saturday.
Sharp clearly has faith in Clemmow, who joined Debenhams from multichannel pioneer Argos. He was promoted from divisional trading director of ecommerce to ecommerce director in March and joined the executive committee of the department store group.
Chief executive Michael Sharp said during the festive period customers were shopping around for convenient next day delivery or a late cut-off for delivery, but Debenhams was found lacking.
However, Clemmow has been busy improving Debs’ offer to put it in good shape for this Christmas, including launching next-day click-and-collect, extending the next-day delivery cut-off from 2pm to 10pm to capture peak shopping hours and introducing nominated-day delivery, including Saturday.
Sharp clearly has faith in Clemmow, who joined Debenhams from multichannel pioneer Argos. He was promoted from divisional trading director of ecommerce to ecommerce director in March and joined the executive committee of the department store group.
34
Sir Stuart Rose
Chairman - Ocado/Soak & Sleep
NEW ENTRY
Sir Stuart Rose, most famous for his time turning around Marks & Spencer, is a new entry in the Etail Power List as he makes his mark on a new retail generation.
Rose has picked up chairmanships at etailers Ocado and Soak & Sleep over the past year. Since joining online grocer Ocado last year, Rose has overseen it during one of the most groundbreaking periods in its 14 year history.
It made its first ever half-year profit since launching 14 years ago and inked its game-changing IP tie-up with Morrisons. Rose’s magic must be rubbing off.
Rose has picked up chairmanships at etailers Ocado and Soak & Sleep over the past year. Since joining online grocer Ocado last year, Rose has overseen it during one of the most groundbreaking periods in its 14 year history.
It made its first ever half-year profit since launching 14 years ago and inked its game-changing IP tie-up with Morrisons. Rose’s magic must be rubbing off.
35
Brent Hoberman
Chairman and co-founder
- Made.com
- Made.com
NEW ENTRY
Brent Hoberman knows a thing or two about online having come through the other side of the dotcom bubble with fellow Lastminute.com co-founder Martha Lane Fox.
Lastminute.com launched a £570m IPO in 2000, just days before the bubble burst and the company’s shares fell to a fifth of their original value within a year.
Undeterred he later founded VC-backed web startup Mydeco.com in 2007 and spun Made.com as an idea out of Mydeco.com.
Made.com is now exploring an IPO and it is understood it will use cash raised to speed up European expansion.
Hoberman as chairman of Made.com will bring his years of experience of online commerce to bear on the float.
Lastminute.com launched a £570m IPO in 2000, just days before the bubble burst and the company’s shares fell to a fifth of their original value within a year.
Undeterred he later founded VC-backed web startup Mydeco.com in 2007 and spun Made.com as an idea out of Mydeco.com.
Made.com is now exploring an IPO and it is understood it will use cash raised to speed up European expansion.
Hoberman as chairman of Made.com will bring his years of experience of online commerce to bear on the float.
36
Terry Leahy, Bill
Currie and Bob Willett
Currie and Bob Willett
Investors
New Entry
Ex Tesco boss Terry Leahy, former Best Buy international head Bob Willett and Bill Currie of the investment firm William Currie Group have grouped up as an investment tag-team this year, targeting growing online retailers.
In February, the well-known names backed up-and-coming fashion etailer Atterley Road with a £2m investment along with fund manager Artemis.
The trio have invested and are also on the board of multichannel software firm Eagle Eye, which floated this year and retail tech start-up Anatwine.
The Atterley Road buy builds on last year’s investments in online interior design specialist retailer Occa Home.
In February, the well-known names backed up-and-coming fashion etailer Atterley Road with a £2m investment along with fund manager Artemis.
The trio have invested and are also on the board of multichannel software firm Eagle Eye, which floated this year and retail tech start-up Anatwine.
The Atterley Road buy builds on last year’s investments in online interior design specialist retailer Occa Home.
37
Robert Gentz and
David Schneider
David Schneider
Co-founders - Zalando
2013 RANK: 46
Zalando has gone from online start-up to a business bigger than Asos in less than six years and this month floated on the Frankfurt stock exchange with a value of £4.9bn.
Entrepreneurs Gentz and Schneider were in their early 20s when they set up Zalando, which was originally designed to be a German version of Amazon-owned footwear etailer Zappos.
However, it soon moved into clothing and expanded rapidly across Europe. It has a stronghold on the Continent which has tempted many UK retailers onto its site, including Sir Philip Green’s Topshop, a long time target of Asos which has so far remained resistant to Nick Robertson’s charms and stayed off the British site.
Zalando, which launched in the UK in 2011, is undergoing a makeover to become a fashion destination. Although the UK market has not been its main focus, there are signs that it is starting to take it more seriously, introducing speedy delivery and flash Sales site Zalando Lounge here in recent months.
Entrepreneurs Gentz and Schneider were in their early 20s when they set up Zalando, which was originally designed to be a German version of Amazon-owned footwear etailer Zappos.
However, it soon moved into clothing and expanded rapidly across Europe. It has a stronghold on the Continent which has tempted many UK retailers onto its site, including Sir Philip Green’s Topshop, a long time target of Asos which has so far remained resistant to Nick Robertson’s charms and stayed off the British site.
Zalando, which launched in the UK in 2011, is undergoing a makeover to become a fashion destination. Although the UK market has not been its main focus, there are signs that it is starting to take it more seriously, introducing speedy delivery and flash Sales site Zalando Lounge here in recent months.
38
Neil Ashworth
Chief executive
- Collect+
- Collect+
NEW ENTRY
As the retail battleground increasingly centres on fulfillment, Collect+ has arguably never been in a more powerful position, hence its chief executive Neil Ashworth’s new entry into the rankings this year.
The 5,500-strong network of newsagents, convenience stores, supermarkets and petrol stations provides retailers with a ready-made array of convenient pick-up points across the country, banishing the need for hundreds of expensive stores to gain national coverage.
Before succeeding Mark Lewis – who is now John Lewis online director – as Collect+ chief executive in February 2013, Ashworth spent six years at Tesco. He was latterly operations and development director at the grocer and helped expand Tesco’s giant online business.
The 5,500-strong network of newsagents, convenience stores, supermarkets and petrol stations provides retailers with a ready-made array of convenient pick-up points across the country, banishing the need for hundreds of expensive stores to gain national coverage.
Before succeeding Mark Lewis – who is now John Lewis online director – as Collect+ chief executive in February 2013, Ashworth spent six years at Tesco. He was latterly operations and development director at the grocer and helped expand Tesco’s giant online business.
39
Jack Ma
Founder - Alibaba
NEW ENTRY
Although it does not have a very large presence in the UK, Alibaba is now a global titan of ecommerce with a higher valuation than Amazon, eBay or Facebook. It would be remiss not to include Jack Ma, its founder and China’s richest man, in this year’s Etail Power List.
Alibaba’s IPO in September gave it a market value of $214bn and earned Ma a cool $18bn.
The online giant, which owns the Tmall and Taobao marketplaces, dominates ecommerce in China where 80% of all online sales come through its sites. Sales hit a whopping £300bn last year.
Burberry, Asos, Apple and Uniqlo are some of the big hitters that sell on Tmall. As western retailers look to the East for growth, it will only become more powerful.
Alibaba’s IPO in September gave it a market value of $214bn and earned Ma a cool $18bn.
The online giant, which owns the Tmall and Taobao marketplaces, dominates ecommerce in China where 80% of all online sales come through its sites. Sales hit a whopping £300bn last year.
Burberry, Asos, Apple and Uniqlo are some of the big hitters that sell on Tmall. As western retailers look to the East for growth, it will only become more powerful.
40
Martin Newman
Chief executive - Practicology
2013 RANK: 40
It's been a good year for Practicology founder Martin Newman, both at the consultancy he set up and on a personal level.
The consultancy, which counts House of Fraser, Waitrose and Hobbycraft as clients, is growing fast both at home and overseas – it opened an office in Australia last year which is going great guns.
Newman's personal star is also on the rise. This year he added non-executive roles at lifestyle retailer White Stuff and Bargain Booze owner Conviviality and a place on the prestigious KPMG Retail Think Tank to his array of extra-curricular activities.
The consultancy, which counts House of Fraser, Waitrose and Hobbycraft as clients, is growing fast both at home and overseas – it opened an office in Australia last year which is going great guns.
Newman's personal star is also on the rise. This year he added non-executive roles at lifestyle retailer White Stuff and Bargain Booze owner Conviviality and a place on the prestigious KPMG Retail Think Tank to his array of extra-curricular activities.
41
Stan Laurent
Chief executive - Photobox
NEW ENTRY
Photobox first made waves in the UK with its acquisition of Moonpig in 2011 for £120m and has since established itself as a dynamic, digital retailer.
The group, which was mulling an IPO earlier this year, focuses on personalised products and has been successful in capitalising on consumer trends, especially relating to social media.
Laurent, who has been in charge of Photobox since 2006, is a dotcom veteran and worked for AOL in his homeland of France back in 1995.
He drives innovation at the company and has even set up an incubator to develop new ideas, product expansion and focus on international growth. That team drove the acquisition last year of StickyGram, which specialises in transforming Instagram photos into magnets, which it has since rolled out to other areas such as phone cases.
The group, which was mulling an IPO earlier this year, focuses on personalised products and has been successful in capitalising on consumer trends, especially relating to social media.
Laurent, who has been in charge of Photobox since 2006, is a dotcom veteran and worked for AOL in his homeland of France back in 1995.
He drives innovation at the company and has even set up an incubator to develop new ideas, product expansion and focus on international growth. That team drove the acquisition last year of StickyGram, which specialises in transforming Instagram photos into magnets, which it has since rolled out to other areas such as phone cases.
42
Michael Ross
Co-founder -
Order Dynamics
Order Dynamics
2013 RANK: 41
Order Dynamics – formerly Ecommera – remains at the forefront of etail development as it continues to work with big-name clients including House of Fraser and Asda Direct. It has been a good year for the ecommerce software provider.
The company, set up by Figleaves.com founder Ross, changed its name in August to Order Dynamics after receiving a boost early this year in the form of £25m series C funding from a range of investors, including advertising giant WPP. Not only that, but the company was included in the government’s Future Fifty list – a list of growth-stage companies identified for their potential.
The company, set up by Figleaves.com founder Ross, changed its name in August to Order Dynamics after receiving a boost early this year in the form of £25m series C funding from a range of investors, including advertising giant WPP. Not only that, but the company was included in the government’s Future Fifty list – a list of growth-stage companies identified for their potential.
43
Nitin Passi
Founder - Missguided
NEW ENTRY
Passi, the 31-year-old founder of fashion etailer Missguided, is planning to “do an Asos” with the company he set up five years ago.
He aims for the young fashion retailer to generate £1bn in sales in four years’ time. At £55m sales last year, he is setting the bar high, but the business is growing rapidly. The retailer, which already has a US, French and Australian website, is having great success overseas and is plotting further expansion.
Its high-profile tie-up with pop star Nicole Scherzinger will have boosted its profile, along with its sales. Passi said sales rose 50% month-on-month when her collection launched on Missguided in March.
He aims for the young fashion retailer to generate £1bn in sales in four years’ time. At £55m sales last year, he is setting the bar high, but the business is growing rapidly. The retailer, which already has a US, French and Australian website, is having great success overseas and is plotting further expansion.
Its high-profile tie-up with pop star Nicole Scherzinger will have boosted its profile, along with its sales. Passi said sales rose 50% month-on-month when her collection launched on Missguided in March.
44
Joe Murray and
Richard Tucker
Richard Tucker
Co-founders, Worldstores
2013 RANK: 48
Home and furniture specialists Worldstores grew its business by snapping up maternity etailer Kiddicare last month.
The pair, which also run furniture websites Worldstores.co.uk, Casafina.com and Modern.co.uk, plan to take Kiddicare back into growth after its ill-fated ownership by Morrisons.
Murray and Tucker, who founded Worldstores back in 2007, believe Kiddicare is a good strategic fit for its business as their customer bases are similar.
It is thought they will sell some of Kiddicare’s product on their other sites and will expand the maternity etailer’s furniture range, which they believe has real growth potential.
It’s a shrewd move by former City banker Murray and ex-marketer Tucker and one that should help them achieve their ambition of becoming the ‘Amazon of furniture’.
The pair, which also run furniture websites Worldstores.co.uk, Casafina.com and Modern.co.uk, plan to take Kiddicare back into growth after its ill-fated ownership by Morrisons.
Murray and Tucker, who founded Worldstores back in 2007, believe Kiddicare is a good strategic fit for its business as their customer bases are similar.
It is thought they will sell some of Kiddicare’s product on their other sites and will expand the maternity etailer’s furniture range, which they believe has real growth potential.
It’s a shrewd move by former City banker Murray and ex-marketer Tucker and one that should help them achieve their ambition of becoming the ‘Amazon of furniture’.
45
Richard Longhurst and
Neal Slateford
Neal Slateford
Lovehoney
2013 RANK: 50
Richard Longhurst and Neal Slateford, co-founders of online sex toy retailer Lovehoney are enjoying huge success after revealing that the business is growing at a rapid rate.
Sales and profits have surged thanks to the Fifty Shades of Grey book trilogy, the phenomenon that has made sex toys more acceptable.
Lovehoney was due to launch localised websites in France and Germany this year, growing its European presence. No doubt its star-turn in a six-part TV series Frisky Business, set at Lovehoney’s head office which aired in February, has given the brand a boost.
Sales and profits have surged thanks to the Fifty Shades of Grey book trilogy, the phenomenon that has made sex toys more acceptable.
Lovehoney was due to launch localised websites in France and Germany this year, growing its European presence. No doubt its star-turn in a six-part TV series Frisky Business, set at Lovehoney’s head office which aired in February, has given the brand a boost.
46
Sean Mckee
Head of ecommerce and
customer services - Schuh
customer services - Schuh
NEW ENTRY
Schuh’s head of ecommerce and customer services Sean McKee is a new entry in the list, elevated from the ‘ones to watch’ list in 2012. He has helped Schuh become a leader in ecommerce, offering customers e-receipts and a multichannel experience in store.
And more recently, McKee helped lead a relaunch of the website using responsive technology to create a seamless and speedy experience for the customer across desktop, tablet or mobile, giving it a new look and feel.
The retailer is making the most of m-commerce and Schuh revealed that in its second quarter mobile visits overtook desktop for the first time. No doubt the new responsive website will drive this further.
And more recently, McKee helped lead a relaunch of the website using responsive technology to create a seamless and speedy experience for the customer across desktop, tablet or mobile, giving it a new look and feel.
The retailer is making the most of m-commerce and Schuh revealed that in its second quarter mobile visits overtook desktop for the first time. No doubt the new responsive website will drive this further.
47
Johnnie Boden
Founder, Boden
2013 RANK: 49
Former Etonian Johnnie Boden used to be the king of the catalogue but now he is an online aficionado.
Boden, the fashion favourite of yummy mummies which bears his name, has set up a dedicated ecommerce team to help propel sales through the channel, which already accounts for 90% of revenue.
Boden, who takes his dog Sprout to work with him every day, has created a brand that can travel and online is helping it take flight. Overseas now accounts for 55% of total sales, driven by the US and Germany. And Boden took his brand ‘Down Under’ earlier this year further boosting its international credentials.
Boden, the fashion favourite of yummy mummies which bears his name, has set up a dedicated ecommerce team to help propel sales through the channel, which already accounts for 90% of revenue.
Boden, who takes his dog Sprout to work with him every day, has created a brand that can travel and online is helping it take flight. Overseas now accounts for 55% of total sales, driven by the US and Germany. And Boden took his brand ‘Down Under’ earlier this year further boosting its international credentials.
48
John Bovill
IT and ecommerce director
- Monsoon
- Monsoon
NEW ENTRY
John Bovill was appointed IT and ecommerce director at Monsoon Accessorize in 2013, shortly after John Browett took the helm at the fashion retailer.
In the past year, Bovill has piloted an innovative new mobile POS system on iPads, as part of Monsoon Accessorize’s shop revamp. The technology links stores and online stock together, enabling customers to buy online and in-store stock in one transaction.
It also means shops can fulfil orders even if the product isn’t stocked in-store and boosts sales in those stores by 5% to 10%.
Bovill was a key architect of the Aurora Group’s multichannel success during his four-year tenure. No doubt he will have a major role in tech-savvy Browett’s growth strategy.
In the past year, Bovill has piloted an innovative new mobile POS system on iPads, as part of Monsoon Accessorize’s shop revamp. The technology links stores and online stock together, enabling customers to buy online and in-store stock in one transaction.
It also means shops can fulfil orders even if the product isn’t stocked in-store and boosts sales in those stores by 5% to 10%.
Bovill was a key architect of the Aurora Group’s multichannel success during his four-year tenure. No doubt he will have a major role in tech-savvy Browett’s growth strategy.
49
Jacques-Antoine Granjon
Founder - Vente Privee
NEW ENTRY
Jacques-Antoine Granjon, founder of French etailer Vente Privee is a new entry to the list this year as the firm’s UK presence grows.
Confirming the UK’s reputation as a world leader in ecommerce, the flash Sales site reported it was its largest m-commerce market with 37% of sales and 41% of visits generated from mobile devices.
And outspoken Granjon is determined to make his mark. At Retail Week Live this year predicted the end of online pure-plays. He said businesses such as Amazon and Asos would have to open stores in the next 10 years and told brands not to rely on Google for brand awareness.
Confirming the UK’s reputation as a world leader in ecommerce, the flash Sales site reported it was its largest m-commerce market with 37% of sales and 41% of visits generated from mobile devices.
And outspoken Granjon is determined to make his mark. At Retail Week Live this year predicted the end of online pure-plays. He said businesses such as Amazon and Asos would have to open stores in the next 10 years and told brands not to rely on Google for brand awareness.
50
Aaron Chatterley
Co-founder and deputy
chairman - FeelUnique.com
chairman - FeelUnique.com
NEW ENTRY
Aaron Chatterley, co-founder and deputy chairman of feelunique.com, is a new entry in the power list this year.
Chatterley founded the business in 2005 with business partner Richard Schiess and it has grown into the largest online health and beauty retailer in Europe, consistently recording rapid growth.
More is on the horizon, as Chatterley has bolstered the management team over the past year, appointing new chief executive Joel Palix, a new chief financial officer, chief operating officer and commercial director. Meanwhile, feelunique has been adding more premium retailers to its site, and creating a more significant content-driven online offer.
Chatterley founded the business in 2005 with business partner Richard Schiess and it has grown into the largest online health and beauty retailer in Europe, consistently recording rapid growth.
More is on the horizon, as Chatterley has bolstered the management team over the past year, appointing new chief executive Joel Palix, a new chief financial officer, chief operating officer and commercial director. Meanwhile, feelunique has been adding more premium retailers to its site, and creating a more significant content-driven online offer.
The Etail Power List unveils the 50 most influential people in online retail in 2014. Using the arrows above, scroll through the list to find out who has risen up the ranks, who has slipped down, and why each person matters to the sector.
Download the list in full here.
