Who’s Driving the Future? The Times 2025 Business Watchlist

The Times has identified six leaders poised to shape the future of transport, energy, technology, and retail. Investors, reformers, and tech visionaries — each of them is driving change in sectors undergoing rapid transformation. Here’s who they are, what they’re doing, and why it matters.

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Daniel Kretinsky: Royal Mail’s Private Future

Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský is closing in on a £3.6 billion acquisition of Royal Mail through his EP Group. With the UK government already granting approval, Křetínský now faces the challenge of securing employee pension funds, keeping Royal Mail’s headquarters in Britain, and overhauling the service itself. His vision? To transform the historic postal service into a modern, profitable business.

Alex Kendall: AI-Powered Autonomous Driving

At just 32, British entrepreneur Alex Kendall is leading Wayve, a start-up developing self-driving car technology that learns from real-world driving. In 2024, Wayve secured $1 billion in funding from the likes of Microsoft, Nvidia, SoftBank, and AI pioneers from OpenAI and Meta. The company is already partnering with retailers Asda and Ocado. In 2025, the focus shifts to scaling the technology and securing new partnerships.

Margherita Della Valle: Vodafone’s Strategic Reset

Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle has led a dramatic restructuring, selling operations in Spain and Italy and raising over €12 billion. These funds are now being used to reduce debt and support shareholders. Her key priority for 2025: regaining Vodafone’s footing in Germany, where recent regulatory shifts have challenged the company’s market position.

Jason Tarry: Reinventing John Lewis

Newly appointed chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, Jason Tarry is retooling the iconic retailer to stay competitive. He reinstated the brand’s price match guarantee and launched new in-store concepts, including beauty zones and a Jamie Oliver-led cookery school. His strategy centres on rebuilding customer trust and modernising the in-store experience.

Heidi Alexander: A National Railway Reimagined

UK Transport Minister Heidi Alexander is spearheading the creation of Great British Railways — a unified body intended to bring coherence and efficiency to the country’s rail services. The initiative aims to simplify the system for passengers and work closely with top industry experts to implement wide-ranging reforms.

Murray Auchincloss: BP’s Balancing Act

Following a turbulent 2024, BP CEO Murray Auchincloss is adjusting course. While reinvesting in oil and gas to stabilise profits, he remains committed to the company's green energy ambitions. His approach is pragmatic and gradual — positioning BP to transition towards a more sustainable future without abrupt shifts.

Each of these leaders is navigating intense competition, rapid technological shifts, and rising public and investor expectations. In 2025, their decisions will shape markets, influence business models, and define consumer behaviour. Tracking their moves offers more than headlines — it offers a window into the evolving global economy and where the next growth opportunities may emerge.

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