After a decade at Sainsbury's helping revive what was a failing brand when he arrived, where might Justin King go next?

• Formula One: Rumours have been circulating for more than a year that King is keen to replace Bernie Ecclestone as motor racing's ringmaster. Ecclestone previously said he had turned King down for the job. But Ecclestone has now stood down from the board of the holding company while he faces legal action over bribery accusations, so other investors may see King as the ideal man to step in. King clearly follows the sport closely, as his son Jordan is a racing driver currently competing in Formula Renault. If King doesn't fit on the grid at Formula 1 there may be other sports jobs to go for. The Sainsbury's boss is apparently a big Manchester United fan, although the team only appointed chief executive Ed Woodward last year.

• Retirement: Having split from his wife two years ago – when he had to publicly announce the divorce to the London Stock Exchange – King may want a more relaxed life and time to spend with his new partner. He's made millions during his time at Sainsbury's so maybe he's off to a beach in Brazil to put his feet up and sip cocktails. Seems an unlikely move for the ambitious King, who is only in his early 50s and likely to feel he has at least one more big role to take on.

• Marks & Spencer or Morrisons: He's got a track record of turning around a beloved British retailer and there are two other struggling high street stalwarts who might benefit from some King leadership. Both Marc Bolland at M&S and Dalton Philips at Morrisons are under pressure from shareholders who may see King as a better bet. Still, neither of those jobs are free as yet. It's also likely that King may want a bigger challenge, at an international brand, rather than jumping ship to a close rival.

• Politics: King loves to opine on the state of the economy and is a confident communicator. Perhaps he can use his skill at turning around ailing businesses to help get the British economy back on track.