Allan Leighton has been described as the best connected man in the business world.

Allan started his career in Mars Confectionery as a Salesman in 1974. He worked his way up through the company before leaving in 1991. He then joined Pedigree Petfoods, where he was Sales Director until his appointment in 1992 to Asda Stores Ltd. He began his career in Asda as Group Marketing Director and was appointed Chief Executive in September 1996. There he was credited with turning around what he once described as a basket case into a highly successful company that was sold to US retail giant Wal-Mart for 6.7 billion pounds in 1999. In November 1999 Allan Leighton became the President and CEO of Wal-Mart Europe.

In November 2000 he left Asda and developed a new work ethic 'Going Plural' as he took on non-executive positions in a string of companies including lastminute.com, Leeds United, Bhs, BSkyB and Selfridges.

Allan joined the Royal Mail as company Chairman in 2002, whilst in post he has driven a period of modernisation that has transformed Royal Mail from loss making into a very profitable business. Allan stepped down from his role in March 09 making him the Royal Mail's longest serving chairman.

Allan is currently Deputy Chairman of Selfridges & Co, George Weston Ltd and Loblaw Companies Ltd and Non Executive Director of BSkyB Group plc.

In June 2007 Allan Leighton's book On Leadership Practical Wisdom From The People Who Know was published by Random House.

At publication, it was the best selling business book in the UK. World Business called it a profoundly hopeful read informed by the almost palpable joy Leighton feels in inspiring and leading others. Chris Blackhurst Business Editor of the Evening Standard said it was ''The best management book I've read in a long while''.