Nine stars for 2009

1 John Dunsmore, chief executive, C&C

Almost a year after winning plaudits in the City for the way he extracted a 7.8bn price tag for Scottish & Newcastle, Dunsmore has landed another top job in the drinks industry taking the helm at struggling Irish cider maker C&C. C&C, which sells Magners cider in the UK and Bulmers cider in Ireland, was largely responsible for a massive growth in cider consumption in the UK between 2005 and 2007. But the past 18 months have seen a decline in sales and increasingly dismal financial figures. Expect Dunsmore to broaden the group's product portfolio with lines such as pear cider and identify and dispose of the weak parts of the business while poaching more marketing executives from his former employer.

2 Henning von Barsewisch, managing director, REpower UK, wind turbine manufacturer

With onshore windfarms likely to shoulder the lion's share of Scotland's commitment to source 50% of electricity from renewables by 2050, REpower UK, the British arm of the German wind turbine manufacturer, is tipped to become an ever greater presence on the fast-growing renewables scene. Edinburgh-based REpower has been lined up to supply more than 150 turbines for the Lewis Wind Farm project if and when it receives planning permission, and it has just expanded to a new headquarters. It employs 54 in Edinburgh, but expects that to increase to 90 by the end of 2009.

3 Brian Combe, managing director, i4 Product Design

This Roslyn-based company, which designs products for high profile names including Flymo lawnmowers, is one of Scotland's rising corporate stars. Last year, the five-year-old firm secured a 63% increase in turnover to 406,144, and is eyeing 1m by 2011. While other companies are struggling, Combe says business at i4 is booming. "We're absolutely chock-a-block. Full to capacity," he says.

4 Peter Marks, chief executive, Co-op

Marks is on a mission to promote the Co-op from the first division of the supermarket sector to the premier league after his 1.57bn acquisition of Somerfield. It is expected that the Somerfield deal will conclude by the end of February, and Marks has already warned the likes of Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy and Sainsbury's boss Justin King, that he'll be on their backs next year. "I would say they have all got to start looking over their shoulders," he says.

5 Fiona Hamilton and Alison Fielding, directors, Fifi & Ally

It's been five years since cousins Fiona Hamilton, 42, and Alison Fielding, 40, launched their ultra-chic homeware, clothing caf-restaurant boutique in Princes Square, Glasgow. The pair hit the headlines in September when they trumped Beanscene founder Gordon Richardson to take control of the 14-strong coffee shop chain. Having already struck a deal with Edinburgh coffee roaster Artisan to supply their chain, they are now preparing to hit the expansion trail with new Beanscenes in Dundee, Aberdeen and Perth. Meanwhile, they are looking for suitable premises in Edinburgh for their Fifi & Ally designer store and caf business.

6 Rebecca Heaney, managing partner, RAPP advertising agency

RAPP is a full-service, global marketing agency, and Heaney heads up its business in Scotland. After graduating from St Andrews University, she became a trainee with the Arcadia retail group before moving into communications. She joined RAPP in May 2007 as managing partner and has helped win a number of new clients across the UK. Companies signed up include National Australia Group, Scottish & Newcastle, Newcastle United FC, The Co-operative Financial Services and the Scottish Government. Despite the economic downturn, expect Heaney to continue to build the business with her philosophy that every penny spent on marketing must be accountable and deliver a return.

7 Murray MacKay, director, Williams de Broe

MacKay left Barclays Wealth last year to set up the Edinburgh office of investment management group Williams de Broe, taking seven directors with him. Within months, investors had switched 150m funds out of Barclays Wealth and into Williams de Broe. It recently opened a permanent Edinburgh office and MacKay, 45, executive director, has big expansion plans for the firm, both organically and through acquisition. As well as overall responsibility for the Edinburgh office, he manages his own bank for private clients, trusts and pensions.

8 Roger Jenkins, chairman of investment banking and investment management for the Middle East at Barclays

For years, Scots-born Jenkins has pulled the strings behind the scenes at Barclays. Although he is not a board member, it is understood he is one of the City's highest paid bankers, with some saying he even commands a bigger salary than group chief executive John Varley. In April, he was appointed chairman of investment banking and investment management for the Middle East to add to his role of chief executive of Barclays private equity, principal investments and structured capital markets. It is understood he played a critical role in securing the bank's capital injections from the Middle East, and is also heavily involved in the takeover of Lehman Brothers. Insiders suggest Jenkins will come to the fore as one of the City's – and Wall Street's – biggest movers and shakers in 2009.

9 Ben Gordon, chief executive, Mothercare

Gordon has introduced online shopping within his stores, allowing mothers to try different buggies in the shop and then turn to a computer terminal for a greater selection. The chain, which had a weak supply chain and dreary stores, has been reborn. First-half pre-tax profits rose 124.6%, and while this was helped by the acquisition of Early Learning Centre, the shares have outperformed the FTSE 100, suggesting underlying faith in the business. Expect overseas expansion to continue, while the company's low debt will also give it a head start on rivals.