Sir Stuart Rose

It has not been an easy year for Rose. After managing to post a profit of £1bn in spring of last year – Marks & Spencer is still only one of two UK retailers to have achieved that – Rose has found himself under attack ever since.

His controversial promotion to executive chairman last year marked the end of the bouquets and start of the brickbats. City analysts have questioned his achievements, profits fell last year and critics have fretted that he has too much power.

The charismatic Rose was expected to face a hostile resolution at this month’s AGM calling for the appointment of an independent chairman from July next year instead of 2011. When he does step down from his combined role he will be determined to do so remembered as M&S’s white knight rather than for the last year’s turbulence.