Chief executive
Home Retail Group

Not the easiest year for the Home Retail Group chief executive, whose business has been more exposed than most to the recession. The nature of Argos and Homebase have contributed to this - homewares and furnishings have been worse affected than other sectors - but not all the problems have been down to the market.

While Argos remains a tightly run ship, Homebase has lost out in a declining market to a resurgent B&Q, and Home Retail was forced to massively write down the value of the chain. But last month’s trading statement brought the first signs of improvement. Argos also had to make an embarrassing retreat after failing to crack India.

Nevertheless, it remains a formidable business and continues to be a multichannel pioneer, and Duddy one of the most respected and well-liked retailers of his generation.