Trevor Bish-Jones, the chief executive of Woolworths, has always believed in the potential for the company to be restored to its former glory. He joined the retailer in 2002 and since then has sought to fight off competition from supermarkets by focusing on a multichannel strategy and investing in its entertainment division.

However, after an expected 74 per cent plunge in profits yesterday fuelled calls for a break-up of the retailer, the tough-talking pharmacist-turned-retailer may be forced to concede.

Mr Bish-Jones never intended to end up in retailing. He studied at Varndene Grammar School in Brighton, before training as a pharmacist at the Portsmouth School of Pharmacy.

His first job was as a research chemist studying oil shale in Colorado, Denver, with Tosco, a US company. He returned to Britain in 1983 to finish studying and joined Boots in its pharmacy division.

He spent the next 11 years at the health and beauty chain, first as a store manager before making the jump to buyer. He joined Dixons Group in 1994, at its PC World division, and went on to work for The Link and Currys, before taking the top job at Woolworths.

His hobbies include fast cars, especially Porsches, and motorcycles (he owns a Ducati), football (he supports Brighton and Hove Albion), spending time with family and friends and going to the pub.

Mr Bish-Jones, 46, also likes horse riding and golf. He is married with two daughters.

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