The king of retail

Born into a well-to-do south London family, Sir Philip Green’s competitive streak was apparent to fellow boarders at Carmel College, known as the “Jewish Eton”. More than 60 years on and £2.6 billion better off, the former owner of BHS spends most of his time on his 300ft yacht. Sir Philip’s feats outside the world of business include a threeday bar mitzvah for his son Brandon, costing £4 million, along with his fondness for the company of the rich and famous. His generosity is also known the world over – including the gift to his wife of a £1.2 billion dividend in 2005 via BHS’s parent company, the Arcadia group. A far cry from a rags to riches story, his ability to turn around ailing fashion chains including Jean Genie and BHS has earned him the title of Britain’s retail king.