The Times has published their “Power 100”, the list of the great and the good from the world of business. Unsurprisingly, the RB favourites have made the grade. Channel4 chairman and “unrepentant capitalist” Johnson is at number 96. “The Maverick” has masterminded the success of Signature restaurants The Ivy, Caprice and Belgo’s, as well as Strada, the authentic Italian food restaurant chain, which he started from scratch. Green continues to ride high on the waves of his retail empire, despite just coming out of what he describes as a ‘bloody tough season’ and two failed attempts to win control of high street giant Marks and Spencer. He’s made it to number 91. No doubt a highlight for Green last year was Kate Moss’s range for Topshop, which proved a profitable success. Last year was also a big year for Branson at 92, as it saw his fortune rise to £3.1bn. However, more intriguingly, the Virgin founder’s plans for 2008 include a proposal to buy a major stake in troubled mortgage lender Northern Rock. A new entry to this list of movers and shakers is Charles Dunstone. The Carphone Warehouse entered the FTSE 100 this year, though speculation is rife that Dunstone may now be plotting his exit through a sale to a US giant. Also displaying enough business nous to make it into the list is television’s very own Mr Nasty, Simon Cowell. He may currently be soaking up the sun on yet another Caribbean holiday but he’s also likely to be toasting a financially lucrative year. Cowell has cleverly positioned himself as both a producer and judge on talent shows such as X-Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and American Idol, making his entertainment empire a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. To check out the list so far go to
www.timesonline.co.ukWho do you think is missing from the list? Any un-worthy candidates?
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