Marc Bolland

The debonair Dutchman will have faced few bigger challenges in his life than taking charge of the UK’s best-loved retailer. It’s a good job then that not much ruffles the unflappable Bolland, whose highly successful three-year reign at Morrisons persuaded the Marks & Spencer board that he was the right man to fill Sir Stuart Rose’s (8) shoes.

Suave, urbane and utterly charming, Bolland outwardly comes from the Rose mould. Like his predecessor, he will go down a storm on the shopfloor. But there are crucial differences. He has a much more consultative style than the rather direct Rose, and while he is no less assured in what he wants to achieve, he tends to go about it in a more subtle way. He is spending his first three months at the business getting to know thecompany while Rose retains the reins, and there are signs already his considerable powers of persuasion are having an effect.

A lover of football and classic cars, Bolland’s role marks him out as one of the most eligible bachelors in the UK. Those who know him well think he is likely to enjoy the London social circuit that Rose is so fond of - even if it does mean Bolland won’t get to many Leeds United games anymore.

But while the status that comes with the job will appeal, Bolland will know he won’t be able to shy away from the tough decisions that need to be made. In food, M&S has been taken to the cleaners by Waitrose, and while the performance of its general merchandise has been better, many remain confused by the proliferation of sub-brands. Decisions such as whether to move into online grocery or whether to go back into continental Europe will also be crucial in how Bolland puts his mark on this most iconic of retailers.