Adam Warby will become the new chair of Ocado starting December 1, 2023, taking over from Rick Haythornthwaite.
- Warby, who chairs at KKR and Heidrick & Struggles, will bring his experience from Microsoft and IBM to Ocado.
- The leadership change is happening earlier than Haythornthwaite’s planned departure in April 2024.
- Haythornthwaite supports Warby’s leadership and praises his time at Ocado.
- CEO Tim Steiner maintains optimism about Ocado’s future despite investor caution.
Ocado has declared that Adam Warby, presently chair of KKR, will assume the role of chairman from Rick Haythornthwaite on December 1, 2023. Warby’s prior roles at Microsoft and IBM, along with his current position at Heidrick & Struggles, suggest a leader with a broad base of experience suitable for guiding Ocado.
Originally, Haythornthwaite had intended to remain in his position until April 2024, but the leadership transition is being expedited. Haythornthwaite expressed his approval of Warby’s appointment, highlighting the importance of the timing in the company’s development. “It has been a huge pleasure to be the chair of Ocado over the last four years and to have had the opportunity to help a visionary technology business,” he stated.
Warby has expressed his excitement about joining Ocado, describing the company as a “unique and innovative business,” and looks forward to driving growth and shareholder value. Despite the company’s current lack of profitability, Warby is optimistic about his role in steering the company towards future successes.
Tim Steiner, CEO of Ocado, remains confident in the firm’s future, forecasting profitability by 2026. He highlighted the strategic significance of Warby’s appointment and reaffirmed the strength of Ocado’s technological capabilities, which are operational with 11 of their 13 global partners. “Adam joins us as chair designate at an important moment in Ocado’s development,” noted Steiner.
Investor sentiment appears to be increasingly cautious regarding Ocado’s financial outlook, yet the company remains focused on expanding its technological impact and operational reach.
The appointment of Adam Warby heralds a new chapter for Ocado, with leadership poised to guide the company through its strategic advancements.
