Adam Warby has been appointed as the new chair of Ocado Group, marking a significant leadership change at the forefront of online retail.
- Ocado Group has announced the appointment of Adam Warby, previously chair of Heidrick & Struggles, as its new chair.
- Warby is set to join the board as an independent non-executive director on 1 November, transitioning to the role of chair a month later.
- He will succeed Richard Haythornthwaite, who is stepping down due to his increased responsibilities at NatWest Group.
- Warby, with vast experience from KKR and Avanade, is eager to drive Ocado’s future growth alongside its innovative team.
Ocado Group has confirmed the appointment of Adam Warby as its new chair, commencing his formal duties in December. Previously leading Heidrick & Struggles in a similar role, Warby brings substantial expertise in executive leadership to the board of the online retail titan. As of 1 November, Warby will join as an independent non-executive director, officially assuming the chair position one month later.
His predecessor, Richard Haythornthwaite, will step down from the role due to expanding commitments as chair of NatWest Group. Haythornthwaite’s leadership began in January 2021, instigating significant strategic developments during his tenure. The transition of chairmanship reflects a shift in focus, aligning with Haythornthwaite’s current professional priorities.
Warby also extends his expertise as a senior advisor with KKR, and he has prior experience as CEO emeritus at Avanade, a management consulting company. On joining Ocado’s board, Warby will engage as a member of the people committee, which aligns with his strategic focus on human resources and team dynamics within the organisation.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new position, Warby stated, ‘It is a huge honour to join the Ocado board as chair designate. Ocado is a unique and innovative business, and a tremendous success story for the UK. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead, working with a visionary leadership team, an experienced board, and the many talented colleagues across Ocado to grow the business and create greater value for our shareholders.’
His appointment is anticipated to bolster Ocado’s strategic direction, capitalising on his experience to enhance the company’s market position. The leadership shift aims to fortify Ocado’s operations and leverage its innovative edge in the increasingly competitive online retail market.
Warby’s stewardship heralds a new chapter for Ocado Group, poised for continued advancement in the retail sector.
