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Sainsbury’s CEO is most influential communicator in FTSE, while Sir Martin Sorrell ranks fourth

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By Ishbel Macleod, PR and social media consultant

December 2, 2013 | 2 min read

Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King has succeeded Unilever boss Paul Polman as the most influential communicator among chief executives of FTSE-100 companies, research from Aberfield Communications has found.

The research placed Sir Martin Sorrell, chief executive of WPP, in fourth place, the same position he held in 2012.

Researchers at Aberfield examined the profiles of each of the chief executives, and looked at how their messages are communicated – and received – within their own industry sectors, the UK business community and the wider population.

The research also looked at third party endorsement of the CEOs’ communications, including media and competitor comments.

Phil Reed, managing director at Aberfield Communications, said: “This year’s report shows a clear indication of how the influence of a CEO can change dramatically from one year to the next.

“Looking at the results, there is also a clear correlation between influence and financial results as the best communicators are running some of the best-performing companies in the Footsie.”

Admiral Group’s Henry Engelhardt and Marks and Spencer’s Marc Bolland were among those who slipped off the list from last year, while easyJet and Barclays made the list for the first time.

The 2013 Top Ten:

1 Justin King Sainsbury (2012 position = 2)

2 Paul Polman Unilever (2012 position = 1)

3 Carolyn McCall easyJet

4 Sir Martin Sorrell WPP (2012 position = 4)

5 Angela Ahrendts Burberry (2012 position = 5)

6 Ian Cheshire Kingfisher (2012 position = 3)

7 Lord Wolfson Next

8 Anthony Jenkins Barlcays

9 Willie Walsh IAG (2012 position = 7)

10 Jeremy Darroch BskyB (2012 position = 9)

Content created with:

Aberfield Communications

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