Britain's Most Admired No.10: 3i, Philip Yea
Yea does not fit the archetype of private-equity bosses. He is 'more schoolmaster than master of the universe', as his MT profile last year described him.
And a degree of understated leadership sits well with the hubris. Although his group is suffering with the rest of the industry - it made its first loss for five years in the six months to December - it is less highly geared than most rivals. 3i's strong mid-market focus, wide geographic spread and 60 years of experience leaves it in good shape to exploit the upswing.
