Ocado Group is reportedly considering appointing Adam Warby, a former Microsoft executive, as its new chairman, according to city sources.
Adam Warby, currently serving as chair for the executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles, is being considered for the role of chairman at Ocado Group. Though Sky News reports his potential appointment as early as next month, Warby’s extensive career includes eight years at Microsoft and sixteen years at IT consultancy Avanade, where he holds the title of chief executive emeritus.
Warby also serves as a senior adviser for the private equity firm KKR. His prospective appointment comes as Rick Haythornthwaite, the current chairman, announced his resignation to focus on his role with NatWest. Tim Steiner, Ocado’s Chief Executive, expressed disappointment over Haythornthwaite’s departure but acknowledged the importance of his new commitments.
Steiner commented, ‘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.’ It is yet unclear if Warby will relinquish his other engagements if he takes on the Ocado role.
Warby’s potential appointment as chairman marks a strategic move for Ocado as it aims to leverage his extensive experience in technology and leadership.
