Tesco boss storms to top of the shops

TESCO'S Sir Terry Leahy is Britain's most powerful retailer, beating Bhs billionaire Philip Green into second with Marks & Spencer's Stuart Rose third.

Industry bible Retail Week's 2005 'Power List' of the top 50 includes relative newcomer Jon Asgeir Johannesson in fourth place.

The Icelander's Baugur group has expanded rapidly in Britain over the past few years and now owns a sizeable chunk of the High Street, including Hamleys, Iceland, Booker, Oasis and Karen Millen.

The low-profile Richard Caring, who works closely with Green, is 26th. The clothing supplier, who has an estimated fortune of £300m, bought Wentworth golf club last year and plans to launch a Wentworth sportswear range this year.

Andy Bond, the new head of Asda, makes it to number six, with Retail Week saying his talents are likely to be 'tested to the limit' as the Wal-Mart-owned supermarkets chain battles against the all-powerful Tesco and a recovering Sainsbury's under Justin King.

Six women are on the list, including Topshop's Jane Shepherdson in 19th. She has taken the 'fast-fashion' chain, part of Green's empire, to profits of £90 million. Initiatives such as Topshop to Go, the bespoke dress service Topshop Atelier and TS Boutique have ensured the brand stays ahead of its High Street rivals.

Ann Summers chief executive Jacqueline Gold, the woman who has 'made sex on the High Street acceptable', comes 32nd.