Drapers Fashion retail industry news, trends and analysis
Power 100 2022
The people who defined the industry in 2022
After a two-year hiatus, Drapers’ Power 100 is back with a bang. This year’s list of the most important people in fashion retail places emphasis on leaders who have pivoted their businesses for a post-lockdown world, while recognising those who have made a qualitative – as well as quantitative – difference to their organisations across a range of metrics – not just financial, but cultural, environmental, creative and on representation, diversity and inclusion. The list was selected by the Drapers editorial team using criteria including trading performance and the individual’s personal influence on the industry.
The Power Players
Paul Marchant
CEO, Primark
At the helm of Primark is Paul Marchant – one of fashion’s most respected leaders – presiding over 400 stores in 14 countries, of which more than 190 are in the UK.
Marta Ortega
Chair, Inditex Group
The daughter of Inditex Group founder Amancio Ortega became chair in April, overseeing strategy for the Spanish owner of Zara, Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho and Zara Home.
Lord Wolfson
CEO, Next
Next’s Lord Wolfson is always ahead of the curve: in January, he warned of five economic threats for retail businesses in 2022, all of which came to pass.
Peter Cowgill and Régis Schultz
Former executive chairman and CEO, JD Sports Fashion
Omnichannel powerhouse JD Sports Fashion continues to dominate UK and international high streets with more than 3,300 stores in 34 territories.
Katie Bickerstaffe and Richard Price
Co-CEO and managing director clothing, home and beauty, Marks & Spencer
As part of its transformation programme, the stalwart pivoted in the pandemic from only selling own-label fashion, to onboarding third-party brands.
Dame Sharon White and Pippa Wicks
Chairman and executive director, John Lewis Partnership
Pippa Wicks' strategy has been to get closer to John Lewis's customers using digital. Meanwhile, Dame Sharon White is aiming for £400m in profits by 2025.
Michael Murray and Mike Ashley
Former CEO and CEO, Frasers Group
Michael Murray took the top job at Frasers Group in May, from his father-in-law, Mike Ashley, who stood down from the board in October.
Helena Helmersson
CEO, H&M Group
CEO Helena Helmersson has overseen H&M Group’s push into the marketplace sector, with Arket introducing third-party brands for the first time this year.
José Antonio Ramos Calamonte
CEO, Asos
José Antonio Ramos Calamonte replaced Nick Beighton as CEO in June and is focusing on renewing its commercial model, reinforcing the leadership team and “refreshing” the culture.
John Lyttle
CEO, Boohoo Group
Boohoo Group has made a name for itself as a heavyweight in the global fashion landscape: buying up smaller rivals as it expands and grows its customer base.
