Ocado Group is reportedly considering Adam Warby, a former Microsoft executive, for the role of chairman.
- Adam Warby, currently chairman at Heidrick & Struggles, may soon be appointed as Ocado’s new chairman, with city sources speculating an announcement could come next month.
- Warby has extensive experience, including eight years at Microsoft and a long tenure at IT consultancy Avanade. He also acts as a senior adviser for KKR.
- Rick Haythornthwaite is stepping down to focus on his obligations as group chair at NatWest, necessitating the search for his successor.
- Ocado’s CEO, Tim Steiner, expressed understanding of Haythornthwaite’s decision to resign, acknowledging his contributions over the past three years.
Ocado Group is reportedly in talks with Adam Warby, an experienced executive with a formidable track record, to step into the role of chairman. Sources indicate that an official appointment could be announced as early as next month. Warby, who is currently the chairman of the executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles, is seen as a strong candidate for the position.
Warby’s professional history is notable, having previously served as an executive at Microsoft for eight years. His expertise extends further, encompassing 16 years at the IT consultancy Avanade, where he holds the title of chief executive emeritus. Additionally, Warby serves as a senior adviser to the private equity firm KKR, which enhances his profile as a leader with vast experience in technology and corporate governance.
The current chairman of Ocado, Rick Haythornthwaite, announced plans to step down in order to prioritise his growing commitments at the banking group NatWest, where he holds a significant role. This transition creates a vacancy that the Ocado Group seeks to fill with Warby’s potential appointment, reflecting their intent to maintain robust leadership and corporate governance standards.
Ocado’s CEO, Tim Steiner, commented on Haythornthwaite’s departure, highlighting the chairman’s substantial contributions during his tenure. Steiner remarked on Haythornthwaite’s successful efforts in strengthening corporate governance and guiding the executive team to foster business growth over the past three years. Steiner stated, ‘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.’
It remains uncertain whether Warby will relinquish his current roles should he accept the position at Ocado. His decision is keenly observed, as it will influence his capacity to dedicate time and resources solely to Ocado, reflecting his potential strategic priorities for the company.
The possible appointment of Adam Warby as Ocado’s chairman signifies a pivotal shift in leadership, aimed at bolstering corporate governance and sustaining growth.
