We start our special issue on the retiring Tesco and Marks & Spencer boss by looking at what makes him special, in the words of those who have worked with him, or competed with him.
“Stuart above all is a man of principles, and that makes him tough in business and tough on himself, but at the same time, generous and faithful to his friends”
Terry Green
“He’s spent 30 years in this really competitive industry. In his various roles he’s motivated and helped develop thousands of people. He felt he was destined to return to M&S, where he started. I’ll miss my banter with him”
Sir Philip Green
Arcadia
“Stuart gave M&S back its confidence at a time when it had lost its way. He has the business in his bones. His legendary appearances at the AGM, armed only with a rack of garments were one of his many talents and should have been on TV”
Martha Lane-Fox
Non-executive director, M&S
“Stuart can buy, sell and get people motivated. He makes decisions, has a charming style, keeps things simple and is lucky. Stuart works hard to be so lucky”
Charles Wilson
Former finance director, M&S
“You have good food people and you have good clothing people. Stuart was both. He understood exactly what M&S’s appeal was, he took it back to its core principles, and he re-established morale within the business. That wasn’t easy to do”
Richard Greenbury
Former chairman and chief executive, M&S
“Sir Stuart Rose has brought back to Marks & Spencer the greatness and excellence of service that the company has rendered to the British people over the generations. Only dedication to the fundamental principles of retailing can do that, as both he and I understand. For this Stuart has been recognised by our country, and he will doubtless soon be at the helm of some other great challenge that needs his kind of leadership”
Sir Ralph Halpern
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