For many people a new year marks the opportunity for a new start, with careers very much in the forefront of many people’s thoughts.

Tesco promoted Robin Terrell from his position as multichannel director to the role of head of customer.

And with the economy continuing to slowly mend, albeit long-term recovery is far from guaranteed, employees who have felt unable to leave secure jobs during the economic downturn may now be keeping their eyes open for external vacancies.

December, on the other hand, is traditionally a quiet month for movers and so it has proven once again. One notable development in December was the announcement that Asda chief executive Andy Clarke was to take over the presidency of food and grocery research and training charity IGD.

Clarke took the reins from current incumbent, Mars’ Fiona Dawson, on January 1 and will serve as the IGD’s industry representative and public voice for the next two years.

Setting the agenda

Clarke seems ideally suited to a role, which is important both symbolically and in practice. Unlike some of his peers, the Asda boss is perfectly comfortable in the spotlight and has a track record of speaking out on retail issues, most recently supporting calls for a review of the business rates system.

Clarke was also prepared to risk a consumer backlash by speaking publicly on the implications of a Scottish vote for independence, ahead of the referendum in September. It suggests a retail leader comfortable with setting the agenda both within and outside of his organisation and with the courage to communicate his own convictions.

Such presidencies afford business leaders the opportunity to publicise causes close to their heart and to voice industry concerns on policies that could be damaging to the entire sector, not just their own organisation. I fully expect Clarke to make the best use of his turn in the hot seat.

Top People Moves in December:

1. Jason Tarry was promoted from Tesco’s head of clothing to head of commercial for the UK and the group.

2. Tesco also promoted Robin Terrell from his position as multichannel director to the role of head of customer.

3. Richard Smothers left his position as group finance director at packaging giant Rexam to become chief financial officer at Mothercare, replacing Matt Smith.

4. The White Company hired Barbara Horspool, whose career has spanned Jigsaw, M&S and New Look, as its new clothing director.

5. Sarah Rutson left her role as fashion director at Lane Crawford to become vice president of global buying for Net-a-Porter.

  • See the table on the right for a run down of who went where in retail in December.

Tony Gregg is chief executive of the Anthony Gregg Partnership

The Anthony Gregg Partnership

Founded in 2003 and located in Henley-in-Arden and London, The Anthony Gregg Partnership specialises in the consumer search market space.

You can call Tony Gregg on 01564 796830 or email him at tony@anthonygregg.com.