Chief executive
Mothercare

When Gordon first took over in 2002 as boss of the then ailing Mothercare, a sample vest he took home promptly turned his young son blue as the dye on the garment ran. This gave Gordon the realisation of just how bad things were at the company.

The story is very different seven years on as he has used the two greatest strengths of the business, international and multichannel, to ensure that Mothercare achieves growth and strengthens its brand and business on a truly global stage.

Some industry watchers were so impressed with Mothercare’s results that Gordon’s name began to be mentioned for Sir Stuart Rose’s role. Gordon, however, is a very different style of chief from Rose, keeping a lower profile - unlike Rose, he is an unlikely candidate to be seen falling out of Annabel’s at 1.30am.