The ex-CEO of Sainsbury's and current Vice Chairman of Terra Firma spent an hour in conversation with Jericho partner Matthew Gwyther. One of Britain’s most thoughtful business leaders, King talks frankly about the state of UK retail, the plight of the high street, the difference between running a FTSE 100 company and being in private equity, the problem of taxing Big Tech and how he went from being a salesman with a sample suitcase full of Haagen Dazs to one of the UK's Most Admired business leaders. What he'd have done if he'd become the supremo in Formula 1 and the ups and downs of working alongside with the controversial private equity supremo Guy Hands.The interview is divided into two separate podcasts in which he deals with the following questions:Part One:Are you glad you're not running a supermarket now?What would you do at the moment, you must have thought about things you'd change?Do you think what's going on in the high street is uniquely difficult or is it cyclical?How did you know that Tesco was running too hot?What about booking sales before they happen?Did they have a particular bullying culture at Tesco?How much did it annoy you that they were so much bigger than you and you couldn't catch them?What can be done with M&S, is it saveable?You're not convinced by Ocado and delivery, tell me why it doesn't work for you?
Jericho Conversations is one of a number of initiatives that spontaneously emerged during the first COVID lockdown – part of a determination to use moments of crisis to pivot towards a better, fairer, more equitable and sustainable future for all. By popular demand, we have reignited the series to help find surprising and refreshing solutions and insights into a world in constant flux. Each conversation – led by an expert speaker – is designed to keep Jericho communities engaged and thinking about “what comes next?” for business and society.