Marks & Spencer chairman Sir Stuart Rose has hinted of his interest in fronting a Troubleshooter-style business TV show after he stands down from the retailer.
Rose made his comments in an interview with The Times, in which he also strongly defended his record at Marks & Spencer, which was dogged by controversy after he combined the roles of chief executive and chairman.
Troubleshooter was the famous show fronted by industrialist Sir John Harvey-Jones. Asked about speculation that he has hooked up with a TV agent Rose said: “Well there’s a huge level of interest out there that is being poorly served on TV. There’s no serious coverage.
In response to a question about whether he would adopt Alan Sugar’s approach Rose said: “Alan Sugar? He’s not remotely serious. More of a John Harvey-Jones.”
Rose believes his contribution to reviving Marks & Spencer has not been fully recognised.
He said: “If you want the truth, I think I’ve drawn the short straw. Came in and against all expectations stopped the business getting bought [by Sir Philip Green].
“Had to deal with everyone saying it was over the hill. The stores were shit, the service was shit, the merchandise was shit. Turned it around. Then had to fight a recession.
“It’s in a good place now and somebody comes and says I want your toy. If I were 10 years younger I’d stay. I’d love to stick around to take it forward if anybody wanted me but – and I’m not being pathetic – they don’t.”
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