A serial successful strategic transformer of businesses: An interview with Anthony Habgood, Chairman of Whitbread plc, Reed Elsevier plc and former CEO and Chairman, Bunzl plc

Nicholas O'Regan, Abby Ghobadian

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how key strategic decisions are made in practice at successful FTSE 100 companies. 

Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a semi-structured interview with the Chairman of Whitbread plc, Reed Elsevier plc, Mr Anthony Habgood. Mr Habgood has a track record in successfully achieving corporate strategic transformation. 

Findings – The paper sheds light on ingredients of successful strategy formulation and implementation, corporate strategic transformation, key elements of successful mergers and acquisitions and leadership as a vital ingredient in corporate performance. 

Research limitations/implications – The paper presents views of a successful and highly regarded Chairman of two FTSE 100 companies. Mr Habgood was also the Chief Executive of a third FTSE 100 company. It provides an insight on how strategy is made and executed. 

Originality/value – The paper bridges the gap between theory and practice. It provides a practical view and demonstrates how corporate leaders think about key strategic issues.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)72-78
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Strategy and Management
Volume3
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Feb 2010

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2010, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Keywords

  • Acquisitions and mergers
  • Organizational restructuring
  • Strategic leadership

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