There were plenty of shock exists and big appointments this year - Rebecca Thomson rounds up the main movers and shakers.

The news that Angela Ahrendts is to leave Burberry and join Apple was perhaps the biggest job news of the year in retail.

January: Lucy Neville-Rolfe

Dame Lucy Neville-Rolfe left Tesco in January after 15 years at the grocer. 

February: John Browett

John Browett made a comeback in February after his short stint at Apple, becoming Monsoon Accessorize chief executive.

April: Ish Patel

US lingerie giant Victoria’s Secret hired the former Aurora omnichannel director to lead its digital business.

Apri: Jane Schaffer

Marks & Spencer director of lingerie and beauty Janie Schaffer exited the retailer after three months.

June: Margaret McDonald

A couple of months after her Aurora colleague Patel’s move, former Coast boss Margaret McDonald was snapped up by Victoria’s Secret as well.

June: Scott Weavers-Wright

Scott Weavers-Wright stepped back from Morrisons to launch investment vehicle Haatch.

July: Kate Swann

Kate Swann left WHSmith in 2012, but it wasn’t until July this year that she revealed her next move. Swann took up the role of chief executive of SSP, which operates food and beverage brands in travel locations, in September. 

August: Kate Bostock

Kate Bostock left Asos after just six months and took up a post as Coast chief executive in August.

November: Angela Ahrendts

Ahrendts announced in November she is leaving Burberry to join Apple in 2014.