IT WAS A mixed year for the chairman of Alshaya retail division, MH Alshaya. On the one hand, he led the largest single day opening for the company, bringing 42 different brands, including Debenhams, Cheescake Factory and Starbucks to Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. While on the other, the business the company had tried to turn around, underwear chain La Senza, failed and went into administration before a buyer could be found. But with over 70 international brands and 2600 outlets under his belt, on top of the wide reaching interests of family holding company Alshaya Group, the chairman is still a force to be reckoned with.