Interim CEO – Business Enhancement & Transformation - Case Study

Interim Chief Executive Officer

Sector: Private Equity

Location: Sydney, NSW

Our client, a private equity firm, was seeking a seasoned interim CEO to assess, propose and implement a transformational change with a new acquisition ¬– a very profitable business with 350 employees and online sales of over $1 billion annually. The key deliverable was for the interim CEO to grow the business to reach its potential and prepare it for an eventual sale.

Issue:

The 100-year-old business, with origins in brokering livestock sales, already had one successful pivot under its belt. Its early adoption of e-commerce some 20+ years ago gave it a first-mover advantage, matching both national and overseas buyers and sellers, across an immense range of products from industrial to consumer goods. This rapid horizontal expansion spawned issues where some businesses’ areas across its online platform were productive and positive while others needed cultural and organisational change.

To maximise its exit price, our client needed a strong people leader with significant business enhancement experience at the C-Suite level to quickly gain the confidence of the board and wider group executives to effect the required transformation.

Solution:

The seasoned Interim Executive EIM appointed provided immediate support to the COO and the board in leading a step change to drive best practice governance, systems, and processes to, in turn, drive cultural and operational effectiveness. A natural leader and communicator, the Interim CEO also mentored key direct reports and had “difficult” conversations where required.

With a strong eye for regulatory, legal, and operational management detail, the Interim CEO delivered a programme for transformational changes and enhancements to future-proof the business and ensure it is ready for sale within two years.