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

O'Regan, Nicholas; Ghobadian, Abby

Abstract

© 2010, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited. 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.

Citation

O'Regan, N., & Ghobadian, A. (2010). 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. Journal of Strategy and Management, 3(1), 72-78. https://doi.org/10.1108/17554251011019422

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Feb 23, 2010
• Journal: Journal of Strategy and Management
• Print ISSN: 1755-425X
• Electronic ISSN: 1755-4268
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 3
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 72-78
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/17554251011019422
• Keywords: organizational restructuring, acquisitions and mergers, strategic leadership
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/987324
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/17554251011019422