Deputy chief executive, Debenhams

Michael Sharp Deputy chief executive Debenhams

He might be the new boy in charge of Debenhams, but Michael Sharp has more than served his apprenticeship.

He has been through the various different incarnations of Debenhams having spent the past 14 years with the business, and his expertise in fashion and product has complemented the retail skillset of Rob Templeman, who he replaces as chief executive in September.