Drapers Fashion retail industry news, trends and analysis
Power 100 2023
The people who defined the industry in 2023
Drapers’ Power 100 is back for 2023. The list recognises those in UK fashion retail who have left the biggest mark on the industry over the last 12 months across a range of metrics – not just financial, but cultural, environmental, creative, and on representation, diversity and inclusion. Fashion retail is evolving at break-neck speed and those leading the charge successfully are remaining agile and driving innovation. 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
The leader of value fashion giant Primark is increasing its retail footprint from 400 stores to 530 by the end of 2026 – as well as exploring additional online options.
Marta Ortega
Chair, Inditex
The scion of the Spanish dynasty that owns worldwide fashion juggernaut Zara is driving billion-pound sales increases, as well as Inditex’s sustainability advances.
Lord Simon Wolfson
CEO, Next
Lord Wolfson continues to build the high street bellwether’s retail empire with strategic acquisitions – this year increasing its stake in Reiss and acquiring FatFace.
Régis Schultz
CEO, JD Sports Fashion
The CEO of the 3,347-store global sportswear empire is planning to add up to 350 new shops a year, while he reconfigures its portfolio, divesting independents but acquiring European chains.
Richard Price
Managing director clothing and home, Marks & Spencer
Drapers’ Leader of the Year has revived the fortunes of the high street stalwart, and restored it to top spot for womenswear market share.
Dame Sharon White
Chair, John Lewis Partnership
The chair of the partnership has led it through a challenging year, including having to extend the horizon of its five-year turnaround plan – although fashion sales are showing signs of recovery.
Michael Murray
CEO, Frasers Group
The acquisitive group has almost doubled its profits this year as CEO Michael Murray’s elevation strategy continues to bear fruit.
Helena Helmersson
CEO, H&M Group
Profits continue to rise at the 4,375 store-strong group, which is expanding globally under the leadership of CEO Helena Helmersson.
José Antonio Ramos Calamonte
CEO, Asos
The pureplay has been finding its feet in a post-pandemic retail environment, and streamlining under its CEO’s turnaround plan.
John Lyttle
CEO, Boohoo Group
John Lyttle has been cutting costs and consolidating to get the fast fashion group back on track after making a loss this year.
Power 100 illustration by Lisa Sheehan