Michael Turner

Michael Turner chief executive, Fuller's (35)

Why he is on the list:

Turner is a fifth generation descendant of Fuller's Brewery co-founder John Turner and the boss of London's dominant brewer and pub owner, and its iconic ale brand London Pride. He is also chairman of the British Beer & Pub Association and has been instrumental in recent radical changes in the approach of the trade body for brewers and pubcos.

What the past year has held.

In a difficult trading environment Fuller's has managed to turn in a very resilient performance. Analysts say despite a dreadful 12 months for the industry, the company has ridden the recession by focusing on high-quality ales and food in pubs.

It's also capitalised on the distress at the brash, new-boy tenanted pubcos by snapping up a number of top-flight London pubs from Punch, including the iconic Red Lion in Westminster. It's a remarkable acquisition turn-around for Fuller's bearing in mind there have been years when it's struggled to find a single site worth buying, testament to the benefits of playing the long game.

Challenges ahead:

Turner has reportedly pitched a three-year master plan to the BBPA to address the industry's poor record on parliamentary lobbying on major issues such as excise duty and binge drinking. Intense lobbying by Turner and other industry leaders failed to sway the Chancellor's stance on his controversial beer-duty escalator.

The BBPA lost its chief executive in the wake of all this and Turner will clearly play a key role in the selection of a successor.