Heirs apparent: Galen and Alannah Weston — are they ready?

20 03 2008

Heirs apparent: Galen and Alannah Weston — are they ready?

Posted by: in Marketing and Advertising

Filed under: Management, Marketing and advertising, Canada, Entrepreneurs

This post is one of several on business heirs apparent. Let us know in the comments whether you think Galen or Alannah Weston should take up the reigns of Weston, and be sure to check out the other heir apparent posts.

W. Galen Weston was once an heir apparent himself, taking the bakery founded by his grandfather George Weston in 1882 and expanding it into one of the largest food conglomerates in North America, George Weston Ltd. (TSX: WN), which includes such brands as President’s Choice, Entenmann’s, Brownberry, Thomas’, Boboli, Ovaltine, and Twinings. A fixture on the Forbes billionaire list, Galen Weston also holds a controlling stake in the Loblaws supermarket chain, and took the Selfridges department store private a few years ago. His heirs apparent are his kids, son Galen G. and daughter Alannah.

Galen G. Weston was installed as executive chairman of Loblaw Companies (TSX: L) in 2006, and faces something of a challenge if he’s to prove his mettle. Since his arrival, the company has experienced its first annual loss in decades, share prices have slumped to a ten-year low, and opening superstores to fend off competition from the likes of Wal-Mart Canada hasn’t worked out so well. The company is now focusing on its supply chain and supporting infrastructure, as well as limiting the types of merchandise the stores sell. Such efforts have helped the company swing back into the black.

Alannah Weston got her start working in the Weston-owned Holt Renfrow department store. After Selfridges went private in 2003, Alannah became Creative Director, charged with revitalizing the well-know U.K. stores. Her responsibilities include analyzing and updating the architecture and design of London’s Oxford Street flagship store, and she personally handles the store’s window displays. Like her partner, CEO Paul Kelly, she believes in a hands-on approach to management.

At 67, W. Galen Weston remains chairman of both Loblaw and Selfridges. The question is, do Galen G. or Alannah have what it takes to assume the reins of the empire when the time comes? Time will tell.

In the meanwhile, here’s a peek of Galen G. Weston in action:

Also be sure to check out the other heir apparent posts.