Client Assignments
Click on the assignments below to read more about Iain's achievements for his clients.
Freemans Grattan Holdings - Turnaround Transformation (2008/9)
- Supported and advised Otto’s UK board on a major turnaround programme to stop £50m annual losses and a 30% pa decline in sales
- Initially engaged to develop a new business & technology operating model to support the UK retail brands (Freemans, Grattan, Oli, Montage & Look Again)
- Led cost reduction, organisational design and outsourcing activities across many functions of the business including IT, contact centres, ecommerce, print management and warehousing
- Led the selection and design of a new ecommerce and ERP platform to replace legacy mainframe retail systems
- Led the selection and design of a new end-to-end financial services systems and operational solution to support the separation of Otto’s financial business from its retail operations.
Lloyds Pharmacy Ltd – E-Commerce Mobilisation (2007)
- Reviewed & supported Lloyds’ plan for the launch of new channels and services
- Implemented robust processes for managing the programme
- Set up structure and team capable of success.
E.ON UK – B2B Head of Change (2007)
- Led development of a new multi-channel business strategy to grow profit whilst reducing debt
- Built a 3 year delivery plan and capability to achieve the business’ transformation
- Designed and implemented a business-wide organisational restructure to support the delivery.
Powergen PLC – Consumer Head of Change (2006)
- Completed a full business review prior to joining the leadership team to drive the changes
- Shaped an integrated multi-channel strategy and change plan to drive 20% profit improvement
- Delivered a programme of consumer proposition, new channel and business improvement projects including call centre relocation, web content management infrastructure and site rebuild
- Net profit increased by £50m in the year.
NHS Shared Services - Business Change Director (2005)
- Led a change programme to transform and roll-out a shared services operation for the NHS
- Delivered a 3-fold increase in operating capacity and a 35% improvement in efficiency
- Delivered process standardisation, off-shoring, centre restructures and systems change
- Developed a 3 year business plan and supporting change plan.
E.ON UK – Integration Programme Recovery (2005)
- Carried out a review and recovery of E.ON’s failing business integration programme
- Led to significant changes and successful implementation.
Gratterpalm Group - Corporate Strategy Development (2005)
- Assisted the Board of this retail-focused marketing agency with its new media strategy.
The Food Ferry Ltd – Business Turnaround & Merger (2005)
- Developed and implemented a survival plan for the world’s oldest online grocery retailer
- Rapid operational changes implemented immediately to prevent insolvency
- Developed a corporate sale prospectus that led to a merger and subsequent survival.
Xansa PLC & MyTravel Group PLC - Transformation Director (2004/5)
- Led Xansa's award winning financial transformation programme for MyTravel’s retail businesses
- Built an offshore processing operation in India
- Implemented document imaging, workflow, management information and call centre systems
- Designed and managed the organisational and process change to support 80% offshore operations
- Reduced operating costs by 50% and significantly improved financial control to assist turnaround
- The programme won an industry award for best Business Process Outsourcing in 2005.
Savola Group - New Venture Development (2004-5)
- Advised the Board of Saudi Arabia's largest supermarket retailer on its new business venture strategy
- Led strategy development workshops, market research development, financial modelling, project planning and venture partner selection.
Audiences North East - Online Strategy & Planning (2004)
- Developed strategy and plans for an online portal and e-ticketing solution for the cultural sector
- Prepared a solution architecture, tender and supplier evaluation process.
WHSmith Direct - Chief Operating Officer (2003)
- Led WHSmith's online business from stand-alone dot.com to multi-channel retailer
- Full P&L accountability for the former pure-play online business with team of 200+
- Implemented significant changes to product range, ordering and service channels increasing visits to sales conversion by 3x and delivering 100% increase in total sales
- Re-engineered supply chain processes and delivery mechanisms doubling the operating profit %
- Drove through organisational restructuring and performance culture changes
- Achieved a significant reduction in stock holding (60%+) and product delivery lead time (6-2 days).
IBM/SGA Inc - Sales Training & Coaching (2003-6)
- Coached IBM’s account managers on developing CXO relationships as part of their sales training.
Marks & Spencer - Online Content Management (2003)
- Created and agreed strategy for integrated online content management processes and systems
- Developed plan to remove product volume bottlenecks allowing 100% increase in product range
- Enabled reduction in content maintenance costs of 20%.
Asda - Customer Data Management (2002)
- Delivered a CRM and data strategy across stores, e-commerce and financial services
- Programme to ensure single view of the customer agreed by the Board and commenced.
Asda - Financial Services Launch (2002)
- Set up a cross-partner programme to launch Asda's new financial services business
- Plans developed, management controls implemented and implementation team mobilised.
Eureka! The Museum for Children – Non-Exec Director (2002-5)
- Non-executive director of the premier UK educational children's attraction and museum
- Chaired the Trading Board and member of main Board of Trustees
- Led the re-development of Eureka's online experience.