We start our special issue on the retiring Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy by looking at what makes him special, in the words of those who have worked with him, or competed with him
“His visionary skills, interest in the consumer, clarity of thinking and complete conviction set him apart from any person I have ever worked with. Terry is an inspiration to retailers around the world”
Phil Clarke,
Chief executive, Tesco
“Any business student who wants to understand what being a great professional means should study Terry and his sustained, consistent performance as a retail business leader and inspired marketing man”
Mark Price
Managing director, Waitrose
“This marks the end of an era in supermarket retailing. I’ve enjoyed competing with him and I’m sure he’ll go on to do great things”
Justin King
Chief executive, Sainsbury’s
“He is the founder of modern Tesco. If you look where it was when he took over, it was a UK based, food, bricks retailer. Now it’s a leading retailer globally, in non-food, and in digital commerce”
David Wild
Chief executive, Halfords, Tesco 1985 to 2003
“My interview with Terry was the toughest of my career.He combined the best talent with relentless drive to create a world class retailer”
Steve Robinson
Chief executive, M&M Direct, Tesco Direct chief executive 2005 to 2007
“Terry’s performance as chief executive of Tesco speaks for itself. He managed (as so few do) to get the balance right between being an inspiring leader and still demanding, monitoring (and getting) the best possible performance from his team. His legacy will give Phil Clarke a running start”
John Hoerner
former chief executive of Tesco UK clothing and central Europe clothing
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