Managing director, Waitrose

Mark Price Managing Director Waitrose

When he isn’t pacing the Waitrose aisles or hobnobbing with celebrity chefs, Mark Price can be found discussing the state of British farming with the Prince of Wales. So tight is Price’s relationship with Prince Charles that he even bagged an invitation to the royal wedding.

Price’s royal connection was strengthened when he bought Prince Charles’ Duchy Originals brand, which has since relaunched. He has always championed British farming. And with the trend for home-grown, local food continuing, Waitrose is well positioned to gain share.

Price has propelled up the list this year as Waitrose continues to power ahead despite the difficult climate. It notched up sales of more than £5bn for the first time in the year to January 29, and in the Kantar Worldpanel figures, the grocer shows consistent growth.

Part of the reason for Waitrose’s growth is the focus on value, as well as tailoring to the high-end shopper. The launch of Essential Waitrose led the focus on value but Price has kept up the drive by investing in price. Last year Waitrose invested £26m to price match Tesco on 1,000 products.

Waitrose has also stepped up online with the relaunch of its website and has started to roll out delivery within the M25 - key Ocado territory.