Chief executive, Best Buy Europe

Former managing director of Boots the Chemists, Wheway kept a low profile after leaving the health and beauty group before bursting back on to the retail scene last summer at Best Buy Europe.

He was named chief executive of the European business last July, having joined as chief operating officer a few months before.

Best Buy’s UK debut in April was one of the most highly anticipated openings of the year, and there was a huge amount riding on the US retail chain’s success.

So far, the retailer has come good on expectations. The first shop, in Thurrock, Essex, was reportedly Best Buy’s most successful opening ever by sales volume and grabbed headlines for its unique business approach and in-store theatricals such as the inclusion of electric cars in the product mix.

In the UK, Best Buy’s scale is still small but it has already changed attitudes and expectations among consumers and retailers alike. The highly regarded Wheway, who combines toughness with strong people skills, looks likely to be an increasingly influential mover and shaker in the industry.