Marks and Spencer: The rivals for the chief executive's throne

Simon Fox, the chief executive of HMV, has surged to the position of joint favourite at 3-1 in the race to replace Sir Stuart Rose at Marks & Spencer. Fox has won plaudits for the success of his recovery plan at the high street chain. He recently ruled out taking control of ITV, but M&S could be a much more tempting move. Rose must vacate the CEO's chair by next summer. Photograph: David Rose/Rex Features

Morrisons chief executive Marc Bolland is also seen as a likely successor, at 3-1 [all odds from BGC Partners]. The supermarket chain has performed well through the recession, posting sales growth that beat its larger rivals. But Bolland has insisted he doesn't want the job, saying 'I love Morrisons'. Photograph: Ian Nicholson/PA

The odds of Charlie Mayfield, chairman of John Lewis Partnership, moving to M&S have slipped slightly to 6-1. Mayfield has repeatedly ruled himself out – and the message seems to have got through. Photograph: Linda Nylind

WH Smith CEO Kate Swann, shown here helping out at her local branch, is a 9-2 shout. Last month she refused to rule herself out of succeeding Rose, and is a credible choice having grown profitability at WH Smith. Photograph: Michael Dunlea/Rex Features

Justin King, chief executive of J Sainsbury, has dropped back to 9-1. Like Mayfield, King has played down the idea – even though he used to run M&S's food operations. Some City sources speculate that Sainsbury's and M&S could potentially merge. Photograph: Sarah Lee

Rose, who will stay on as chairman after a new CEO is appointed, is understood to favour an internal candidate as his replacement. John Dixon, its director of food, is seen as the most likely choice at 4-1. Photograph: PR

Ian Dyson, finance director, has moved in to 9-2 after a creditable performance at an investors day last month. Photograph: PR

Executive director of clothing, Kate Bostock, is the third internal candidate in with a chance of succeeding Rose – at 5-1. Photograph: Nils Jorgensen / Rex Features/NJ

Belinda Earl's success running Jaeger over the last four years makes her a 7-1 shot. But would the former Debenham's chief executive be tempted? Photograph: Alessia Pierdomenico/Reuters