Ewan Venters
Ewan Venters was appointed CEO of Fortnum and Mason in 2012 and the 300-year-old 'Queen's grocer' has seen record profits and growth under his leadership. Formerly a director of food at Selfridges and head of selfridges.com, Venters has already established new stores in St Pancras, Heathrow and Dubai, with further plans for openings both in the UK and worldwide.
1. What was your biggest career break?
Being made CEO of Fortnum & Mason before I was 40!
2. Have you had a notable mentor - and if so, what was it about them that was so inspiring?
Tom Vyner, deputy chairman at Sainsbury's - I was his PA about 20 years ago, but he remains a sounding board all these years on.
3. What one piece of advice would you give to the 20-year-old you?
Never give up. Always strive for perfection.
4. What qualities do you look for in new recruits?
Hire for attitude, train for skill.
5. Who do you admire in business and why?
Paul Kelly, Group CEO at Selfridge's - he's the best retail merchant I've ever met.
6. What does the future of your industry look like?
Good, providing we all invest in retail experiences.
7. If you hadn't built a career in retail, what would you have done?
Hotel management.
8. What is your biggest extravagance?
A Tom Ford overcoat!
9. Who would you invite to your dream dinner party and why? (You can invite three people - they must be alive)
Sofia Coppola - a brilliant screenwriter who wrote the script to my favourite film, Lost In Translation. Bill Clinton - irrespective of one's political views, Clinton is one of the great political operators. Jack Nicholson - naughty, irreverent, entertaining - need I say more?
10. What do you do to relax away from work?
Lots of cooking at home.
11. If you could change one thing about Britain today, what would it be?
Rebuild a world class railway system.
12. What would your last meal be? (Please choose a starter, main course and a pudding)
Starter: white truffle risotto. Main: lobster and chips. Pudding: panna cotta à la River Café style.
