Stanley Kalms, the man who turned Dixons from a single outlet photographic studio, into the UK's biggest electronics and computer retailer, is to retire.

That's what the Sunday papers say: the headhunters are looking for someone to take over the reins when Kalms hangs up his boots next year at the age of 70.

Kalms won't be easy to replace - but this does not mean succession crisis; John Clare, as CEO, runs the business day-to-day.

Sometimes controversial, often pugnacious, Kalms has built a retail powerhouse in Dixons. The company also recently did rather well from its ownership of Freeserve (now part of Wanadoo).

What else? He's a well-known Eurosceptic and a major philanthropist, making hefty donations to Jewish charities. ®