Stuart Rose – He Has Reputation as Bon Viveur and Is a Fixture in London Society
“He has reputation as bon viveur and is a fixture in London society”. [The Guardian, 2013]
[Image Source: The Telegraph]
Introduction and leadership approaches:
Stuart rose started his retail carrier as trainee in Marks and Spencer plc. (M&S). in 1972. After 17 years he quitted and joined the Burton Group in 1989. He was appointed Chief Executive of Argos plc. and Bookers in 1989 and 1998 respectively. He also worked as Chief Executive of Arcadia Group plc. For two years from 2000 to 2002.Then he re-joined as Chief Executive of M&S in 2004 and also worked as Chairman from 2008 to early 2011.He also is a non-executive director of Land Securities plc. And a member of the advisory committee of Bridge point.
He has been chairman of the blue Inc. since June 2012, Fat Face since July 2013 and non-executive Chairman of Ocado Group plc. , since May 2013.
In 2000, his magic started when he joined Arcadia Group plc., that time arcadia had debt of ÂŁ200 million and just two years later he turnaround the company and sold it of ÂŁ855 million, he himself made ÂŁ25 million out of that deal.
When he joined the M&S in 2004, the company was in bad situation, share price was fallen and profit was also decreased. He used democratic leadership style and by that he know the view from the senior management team to get the company back to the better position. As per Stuart’s strategy plan, company recorded huge profit in the market and reached to the peak profit margin of £1 billion.
In 2007, Stuart achieved the “2006 business leader of the year award” and also knighted in 2008 for service to the retail industry and corporate social responsibility.
Key characteristic and skills:
As he worked in retail industry over a period of 40 years, he has got experience in consumer engagement as well as brand building as we seen in case of M&S. According to his interviewed on FT world (2009) he is an optimist, he always think positively as in case of “Plan A” at M&S, which is all about sustainability and that will be needed in future time. He has reputation as a “champ” who can sell the businesses for remarkable prices, for examples Argos and Arcadia being prime examples. He is positive thinker, enjoying working and also like to work with business those are disturbed. According to his belief people should not chase the money, they should aim to do good job and what profession you chose then you will do best in that and money will chase you. He believes in risk taking, if you do not take a risk there is no reward, at the end of the day if you have no risk in life you should not be in business this contribute that he is risk taker.
Organisation context: