Formerly a strategist for fellow British institution John Lewis, Rob Weston joined Marks & Spencer in 2011 as brand director for foods but his role was expanded in 2012 to include general merchandise, before becoming brand and marketing director in October that year. He took up his current global position 10 months later. Even with such a rapid ascension through the ranks his ambition has not faltered and he is a member of The Marketing Society’s Fellowship programme, which preps marketers for CEO roles.