As Waitrose boss Mark Price prepares to take up the role of trade minister, we look at other retail chiefs who have held Government roles.

Sir Ian Cheshire, former boss of Kingfisher

After an illustrious retail career, the former boss of Kingfisher Sir Ian Cheshire was appointed the Government’s lead non-executive advisor to the Civil Service last year, replacing Lord Browne. Prior to the appointment he was lead non-executive for the Department for Work and Pensions for four years.

Ian Cheshire

Ian Cheshire

Sir Ian Cheshire

He’s been highly sought after by the Tories – Cheshire had previously been approached to become Whitehall’s first full-time chief executive but he turned the post down.

In a blog post on the Civil Service website, Cheshire says his priorities include developing “the broader understanding on the role and value of the boards for both civil servants and ministers” and hiring the best non-executives possible. 

Cheshire has waded into the living wage debate since his appointment, calling for a review after arguing last year that its impact on employment rates and wage costs was unclear.

Sir Stuart Rose, former executive chairman and chief executive of Marks & Spencer

A leading authority on retail, the former boss of Marks & Spencer Sir Stuart Rose was knighted in 2008 before being selected years later to advise the Government on the NHS.

His work has included advising the Government on how to turn around failing hospitals in 2014 and work on attracting and retaining the best leaders to transform the NHS.

Sir Stuart Rose

Sir Stuart Rose

Sir Stuart Rose

Rose, who left M&S in 2010, said at the time: “Clearly the NHS is a very different institution from M&S, but leadership, motivating staff and creating a culture where people are empowered to do things differently are crucial to the success of any organisation, and I’m looking forward to helping in any way I can.”

In 2015 he was asked by the Secretary of State for Health to conduct a review into leadership in the NHS.

He was made a peer in August 2014 and is also chairman of Britain Stronger in Europe, which launched a campaign to maintain Britain’s membership in the EU.

Sir Philip Green, Arcadia boss

The boss of Arcadia was appointed spending tzar for the Government in 2010, and tasked with scrutinising Government spending since 2007 and identifying inefficiencies and potential cost savings.

Philip Green

Philip Green

Sir Philip Green

In his role, Sir Philip questioned the need for a five-day target for settling bills with smaller suppliers, which had been introduced under Labour.

The appointment also prompted controversy as some questioned aspects of his family’s tax status.

Green responded: “I’m a UK taxpayer. I work here every week. We employ 45,000 people in the UK and we have got a £500m payroll.”