Next to Me

In this summary you will learn

• How David Jones became CEO of NEXT and rescued it from the brink of disaster
• How Jones got started
• How his career progressed from account clerk to CEO
• How he coped with and concealed Parkinson’s Disease

getAbstract rating

Why you should read Next to Me

David Jones, a leading executive in British mail order fashion retailing, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease on July 25, 1982, at age 39. In spite of that diagnosis, he remained a CEO of major companies for two decades. Jones’ interesting autobiography downplays his fight against Parkinson’s and focuses on his compelling career. While he covers little of his personal life, he gives an honest, detailed account of an almost confusing number of people, companies, trends and power plays from his professional life. The book is not chronological. Part I covers Jones’ dramatic efforts to rescue NEXT from bankruptcy. Part II reports on his childhood and early career, and Part III covers his later years as CEO, as well as his illness and his philanthropy. getAbstract recommends this straightforward professional saga, despite wishing that its forthright, gutsy author had told it in order.

About the Author

David Jones is the former CEO and current chairman of NEXT, a British fashion retail chain. He co-founded The Cure Parkinson’s Trust and is donating the proceeds of his book to Parkinson’s charities.