Ocado Group is contemplating appointing Adam Warby, a former Microsoft executive, as its new chairman.
- Warby is currently the chairman of KKR and the leading candidate to succeed current chair Rick Haythornthwaite.
- Confirmation of Warby’s appointment could happen as early as November, according to City insiders.
- Warby also holds a chair position at SoftwareONE and has a history with Microsoft and IBM.
- Current chairman Rick Haythornthwaite will step down next year due to commitments with NatWest Group.
Ocado Group is reportedly considering Adam Warby, a former executive at Microsoft, to be its next chairman. Currently, Warby chairs the board at KKR, a private equity firm, positioning him as the main contender to succeed the existing chair, Rick Haythornthwaite, as reported by City sources. The decision is anticipated to be confirmed as early as November, highlighting the firm’s strategic succession planning.
Adam Warby holds a chair position at SoftwareONE, showcasing his extensive experience in leadership roles. His career history includes various positions at prominent companies such as Microsoft and IBM, underscoring his credentials for the potential role at Ocado.
Rick Haythornthwaite, the current chair, announced his intent to step down from Ocado’s board due to his increasing obligations at NatWest Group. He will not seek re-election at the upcoming annual general meeting in April 2025, initiating the search for his successor.
Tim Steiner, Ocado’s chief executive, expressed understanding and support for Haythornthwaite’s decision, acknowledging the significant contributions he has made to the company. Steiner noted, “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.”
Ocado Group’s strategic leadership shift is underway, with Adam Warby poised as a potential successor to helm the company’s board.
