Revealed: Metro Bank, PageGroup, Schuh bosses rank among the highest rated in the UK

Google, whose former CEO Larry Page ranked first in 2015, does not feature on this year’s list

Metro Bank’s boss said it was “a real honour” to top the ranking (Getty Images)

Craig Donaldson, the chief executive of Metro Bank, has been named the most highly rated CEO in the UK, with a 99 per cent approval rating from its own staff, according to a new ranking.

Employees were asked to leave anonymous feedback about their bosses on the recruiting website Glassdoor.

They rated several factors tied to their employment experience, including how they felt about leadership, in addition to rating their overall satisfaction with their employer.

Steve Ingham from PageGroup, a recruiting company, and Colin Temple, the chief executive of Schuh, a footwear retailer, ranked second and third respectively.

Google, whose former CEO Larry Page ranked first in 2015, does not feature on this year’s list.

Metro Bank’s boss said it was “a real honour” to top the ranking.

“I feel extremely proud of all that we have achieved and I’d like to thank each and every colleague for their hard work and support,” Donaldson said.

Craig Donaldson was among 18 CEOs debuting on the list, along with Simon Segars from ARM holdings (ranked 7), John Roberts from online retailer AO (ranked 9) and Rob Papps from Nando’s UK, which ranked 15.

Rosaleen Blair, the chief executive of Alexander Mann Solutions, a talent acquisition and management service, was the only women to be featured on the top 25 list this year.

Glassdoor said the ranking proves that big consumer brands like Expedia, Nandos and Schuh can truly hold their own against City institutions such as Morgan Stanley and Deloitte.

“This is the proof that the best leaders can make this ranking regardless of the industry or the company,” according to Mark Di-Toro, corporate press officer at Glassdoor.

Eighteen out of the 25 companies are headquartered in the UK, of which only only nine are in London and one is in Scotland.

More than 10 companies including Expedia, AKQA amd JP Morgan were also named in Glassdoor “best places to work” list.

To be considered, eligible employers must have received at least 25 company reviews, including at least 25 CEO approval ratings and at least 25 senior management ratings, during the eligibility period from May 2015 to 2016.

Complete Results: Glassdoor’s Highest Rated CEOs 2016 - UK

1. Metro Bank

Craig Donaldson

Metro Bank’s boss said it was “a real honour” to top the ranking (Getty Images)

CEO Approval Rating: 99%

“There is no hierarchy at Metro Bank and senior colleagues and even the CEO have an open door policy, they get their hands dirty and care about colleagues just as much as they care about customers.”- Metro Bank Store Manager, London

2. PageGroup

Steve Ingham

(PageGroup)

CEO Approval Rating: 99%

“A brilliantly driven business with an engaging and open senior leadership team, no ivory towers here and a business that career hungry, driven and talented individuals can thrive in.” – PageGroup Manager, Reading

3. Schuh

Colin Temple

CEO Approval Rating: 99%

“Treated fairly and often got bonuses if company did better than forecast. Felt really looked after.” – Schuh Weekend Supervisor, Derby

4. Kantar Worldpanel

Josep Montserrat

(Kantar Worldpanel)

CEO Approval Rating: 99%

“You feel very engaged with the business, spread from the very top downwards.” – Kantar Worldpanel employee, London

5. Just Eat

David Buttress

CEO Approval Rating: 99%

“A clear vision from senior management that is communicated transparently to all.” – Just Eat Marketing Employee, London

6. AKQA

Ajaz Ahmed

(AKQA)

CEO Approval Rating: 99%

“World-class team and great attitude. Leadership is inspiring and structure is very flat. Youthful thinking is rewarded and put on the front line.” – AKQA Senior Strategic Planner, London

7. ARM Holdings

(Getty)

Simon Segars

CEO Approval Rating: 96%

“Management are very open with employees about direction for the company, threats and opportunities.” – ARM Holdings Principal Verification Engineer, Cambridge

8. Expedia

Dara Khosrowshahi

Dara Khosrowshahi, who moved to the US from Iran with his family in 1978 around the time of the Iranian revolution, has been an outspoken critic of President Trump and his policies (Getty)

CEO Approval Rating: 96%

“Great work environment, interesting technologies to work with. Leadership is very accessible, willing to change, and makes a lot of good decisions.” – Expedia Software Developer, London

9. AO

John Roberts

(Getty Images)

CEO Approval Rating: 96%

“Got to mention the MD, the man's no nonsense 'say it like it is' approach is a breath of fresh air compared to my previous MD's 'Talk for hours without actually saying anything' routine.” – AO Contact Centre Employee, Bolton

10. Alexander Mann Solutions

Rosaleen Blair

(Getty Images)

CEO Approval Rating: 96%

“Senior leadership are open and receptive to views, regardless of where you sit and at what level.” – Alexander Mann Solutions Lead Sourcing Specialist, London

11. Morgan Stanley

James Gorman

CEO Approval Rating: 96%

“Strong culture of learning and development. Management are responsive.” – Morgan Stanley Analyst, Glasgow.

12. HomeServe UK

Martin Bennett

CEO Approval Rating: 95%

“Three management regimes in the last twelve years I have been working for Homeserve. The latest one led by Martin Bennett and Greg Reed (Chief Marketing Officer) have done a remarkable job in turning this company around. A company I am now very proud to say that I work for.” – HomeServe UK Middle Management, Walsall

13. Screwfix

Andrew Livingston

CEO Approval Rating: 95%

“Directors in the business are very approachable and accessible and show interest in projects and people. The working hours allow flexibility and a better work/life balance.” – Screwfix employee, Yeovil

14. Peninsula Business Services

Peter Done

CEO Approval Rating: 95%

“The people of Peninsula are really friendly, knowledgeable and supportive (both on my own level and at Management level). I can honestly say that I have made some really close friends within the business during my time here so far. The Management team are by far the best I have ever experienced in my experiences of working life.” – Peninsula Business Services Employment Law Consultant, Manchester

15. Nando’s UK

Rob Papps

CEO Approval Rating: 95%

“Everyone (even the CEO) is approachable. Great social atmosphere!” – Nandos UK employee, London

16. Unilever

Paul Polman

CEO Approval Rating: 94%

“Charismatic CEO with a great vision and inspiring leadership.” – Unilever Executive Assistant, London.

17. InterContinental Hotels Group

Richard Solomons

CEO Approval Rating: 94%

“You’ll be rewarded and recognized for the great work that you do, not only from your line manager and team, but from Senior Leaders in the business on a 1:1 level.” – InterContinental Hotels Group Global Employer Brand Manager, Denham

18. Cisco Systems

Chuck Robbins

CEO Approval Rating: 94%

“Flat structure of management. Innovative, always looking for the next improvement.” – Cisco Credit Manager, London

19. Goldman Sachs

Lloyd Blankfein

CEO Approval Rating: 94%

“Good management. Excellent perks. Well organized.” – Goldman Sachs Operations Associate, London

20. Majestic Wine

Rowan Gormley

CEO Approval Rating: 93%

“Weekly video updates of where the company is at how we are progressing and any questions we want get answered, online communities within work if we have any questions or any great ideas we can share around stores.” – Majestic Wine Trainee Manager, Leicester

21. J.P. Morgan

Jamie Dimon

CEO Approval Rating: 93%

“Incredible people management, top management is top notch.” – J.P. Morgan Risk Manager, London

22. Deloitte UK

David Sproul

CEO Approval Rating: 92%

“Great working environment: smart people, inspirational leaders, melting pot, many hours spent in training.” – Deloitte UK Audit Senior Manager, London

23. PwC

Dennis Nally

CEO Approval Rating: 92%

“Excellent leadership - In general my experience has been that Industry/service leaders are very accommodating and happy to help you figure out what you're good at and also interested in.” – PwC Senior Associate, London

24. Microsoft

Satya Nadella

CEO Approval Rating: 92%

“I enjoy working with bright people, global opportunities and a CEO who is visionary and transformational in his thinking.” – Microsoft employee, location n/a

25. EY

Mark Weinberger

CEO Approval Rating: 91%

“Flexible working, supportive management/partners, work life balance better than at the other big 4” – EY Tax Adviser, London