Ocado Group is considering Adam Warby, a seasoned executive with extensive experience at Microsoft and Avanade, for the position of chairman.
- Warby’s potential appointment follows Rick Haythornthwaite’s decision to step down as the current chair of Ocado Group to focus on his role at NatWest.
- Currently acting as chair at Heidrick & Struggles, Warby is anticipated by industry insiders to be appointed as early as next month.
- Ocado’s CEO, Tim Steiner, praised Haythornthwaite’s contributions to strengthening corporate governance during his tenure.
- It remains unclear if Warby will resign from his other roles if appointed as chairman of Ocado.
Ocado Group is contemplating the appointment of Adam Warby, a former executive at Microsoft, as its new chairman. Warby is presently serving as the chair for the executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles. According to sources within the industry, his appointment could be finalized as early as next month.
Adam Warby holds an impressive professional background, including an eight-year tenure at Microsoft and a significant role at IT consultancy Avanade as chief executive emeritus over the past 16 years. Additionally, Warby is a senior adviser at private equity firm KKR, highlighting his extensive experience in both technology and strategic advisory roles.
The possible shift in leadership comes after Rick Haythornthwaite announced his departure from the chairman role at Ocado Group to devote more time to his increasing responsibilities at NatWest. Ocado’s CEO Tim Steiner acknowledged Haythornthwaite’s influential tenure, especially in terms of enhancing the firm’s corporate governance.
Tim Steiner remarked, “Needless to say, we will be disappointed to lose Rick but we fully understand the reasons why he is stepping down as chair to focus on his new role at NatWest. Rick has done a great job strengthening corporate governance, providing the executive team with wise advice and, together with a renewed and refocused board, helping us grow the business over the last three years.”
It remains speculative whether Adam Warby will continue with his ongoing commitments, including his advisory position at KKR, should he accept the role at Ocado. His potential leadership is anticipated to bring a wealth of experience in guiding the company through future developments.
The potential appointment of Adam Warby signifies a strategic leadership transition for Ocado Group, pending his decision on current commitments.
