Chief Operating Officer of Arcadia Group

Ian Grabiner’s position as Sir Philip Green’s (2) right-hand man was confirmed when he took up the role of Arcadia Group’s chief executive last year. The fashion powerhouse has spent the year integrating Bhs into the group and has been rolling out inserts of Arcadia brands as concessions within the stores to try and revitalise its fashion offer.

The group’s crown jewel Top shop had a successful first year in the US in its much-hyped flagship store in New York - which Grabiner had a great deal of influence over.
The chain also went upmarket this year with a store opening opposite Harrods in London’s Knightsbridge. The new offer shows the group’s confidence in the chain that it is not only appreciated by a younger fashion crowd but can also appeal to the luxury shopper.

Ian Grabiner believes that keeping the store formats of its brands moving will be the key to continued success in the fashion market. A new shop fit for Miss Selfridge was unveiled this year and a new look for Bhs has just been launched at its Uxbridge store.

Although Ian Grabiner likes to keep a lower profile than Green, he is the operator who keeps things running and ensures Arcadia is one of the most efficient machines in retail.

Ian Grabiner