Interim CEO for nationwide retailer

Nationwide retailer whose entire business had undergone significant changes in ownership and strategy. Previous professional management appointed by the family owners had grown the business over a lengthy period but new investors wanted fresh ideas.

Having agreed the changes, the board decided to appoint an interim CEO to manage the transition and to provide independent guidance. The fundamental requirement was to understand the business, its market positioning and the “where next” issues.

The appointed specialist had a strong track record that gave confidence to all parties. Knowledge of the supplier community was particularly helpful in enabling the client to achieve stronger relationships with existing suppliers and to open new lines of supply. Other operational issues were identified and plans implemented to optimise efficiencies.

Over a six month period the interim CEO had brought the encumbent management and the new owners to a much more positive working relationship. Meantime the role and candidate specifications for the permanent appointments were agreed and the search launched.

The interim CEO played a vital role in aligning a number of quite entrenched stakeholder positions so that all parties worked to deliver what had been agreed.