Chief executive, Asos (2011 rank: 1)
The poster boy of online retail still rides high in the list as the Asos powerhouse continues to go from strength to strength.
Nick Robertson has progressed in his aim to make the etailer a global player. Asos is now the second most-visited fashion website in the world and its overseas sales account for 65% of the business. That is only likely to increase as Robertson and his team have been beavering away to develop a single platform, which will enable them to roll out dedicated country sites to markets including China – which could be truly game-changing for the etailer.
Asos’ international prowess does not mean it has taken its eye off the UK, and despite its 12 years in existence, the etailer is producing growth rates in its domestic market that far younger businesses would be proud of. In its last quarter, UK sales jumped 15% – no mean feat in tough trading conditions.
The etailer continues to flourish, also driven by Robertson’s astute commitment to creating the best shopping experience for customers. Constantly building on its well-established authority with its twenty-something fashion shopper, Asos has also become an editorial voice in its own right.
From initiatives such as Fashion Finder, which showcases latest trends and includes products from rival retailers, to its own monthly magazine, which is one of the UK’s best-read fashion titles, Asos is top of every fashionista’s online destinations.
It also makes constant improvements to its site and offer, this year adding a click-and-collect service, and is to invest £105m over the next three years. The majority of the sum will be spent on technology, ensuring the site and its service will continue to be able respond to the evolution of consumer behaviour.
Robertson, who has also wooed former Marks & Spencer fashion supremo Kate Bostock to Asos, is likely to continue to dominate a crowded sector.
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