Jim McCarthy

CEO, Poundland

In the nine years since he joined the company, Jim McCarthy has turned Poundland into a hugely influential chain. Founded by Steve Smith in 1990, Poundland’s fortunes were fading by the time McCarthy took the wheel. With over 40 years of retail experience, McCarthy was previously the successful managing director of Sainsbury’s convenience stores. However, forced by family difficulties to return home to the Midlands, McCarthy decided to leave Sainsbury’s and become chief executive of Poundland. Since then, the company has been transformed, operating almost 550 stores, with sales last year of almost £1 billion and new stores opening in Spain. When the company was floated last year it was valued at £750 million. Having started his career working in a newsagent, McCarthy has a great deal to be proud of.

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Debrett's 500 2015