Wikipedia.org (2006)

Management > Crisis Management > Lectures > Independent Research > Connon > Rulers timeline

Wikipedia.org - M&S Rulers Timeline

1884-1916 - Michael Marks (Simon's father and after whom the St Michael brand was named)

1916-1964 - Simon Marks rules as owner and Chairman

1964-1984 - Sieff (founding) family members run the show

1984 -1991- Lord Rayner (began the expansionist strategy)

1988-1999 - Richard Greenbury took over (under his reign, the firm reached its peak in 1997, becoming the second largest retailer in the world, after Wal-Mart. The crisis which befell the company occurred just after he left. See acorns/oak tree quote )

1999-2000 - Peter Salsbury

2000-2004 - Luc Vandevelde took over

2004-Present - Paul Myners is the Chairman and Stuart Rose is the CEO

As can be seen from above, in one hundred years the company was ruled by a small number of founding family members. In the last 15 years, it has been ruled by five chairmen, as many, if not more than the number of people who ran it for a century earlier.

In particular, Salsbury and Vandevelde lasted only 5-6 years between them.