Chief executive, Kingfisher

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Ian Cheshire is not one to stand on the sidelines. In the past 12 months, he has waded into all manner of debates from CVAs to National Insurance contributions and even the third runway at Heathrow. But while keen to speak on the pressing issues facing retailers, he has not taken his eye off the ball when it comes to Kingfisher, posting a series of updates that have beaten expectations in the past 12 months.

Kingfisher’s adjusted pre-tax profits surged 48.6% to £547m in the 12 months to January 30 after Cheshire and his carefully crafted retail board took the Do It Yourself mantra to heart and continued to employ ‘self-help’ measures when times were tough.

Over the past 12 months, the amiable and intellectual Cheshire has kick-started an internal innovation drive and encouraged greater collaboration across the business.

It is Cheshire’s environmental credentials, though, that arguably set him apart from his peers. As a spokesman for the Carbon Trust he has made sure he has his own house in order, appointing green advisers in stores and expanding the eco-friendly product ranges sold in stores.

Presiding over the third largest home improvement retailer in the world, Cheshire does not rest on his laurels. The Kingfisher veteran’s magic dust still seems to be doing the trick.