Perspective

In this edition, we delve into four insightful articles that highlight significant trends and developments across various sectors. Discover how the Odgers Local Authority Stock Exchange index (OLASE) compares the financial scale and complexity of local government to FTSE 350 companies, showcasing the impressive capabilities of councils and their skilled executives. Learn about the new legal obligations for employers under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, which mandates proactive measures to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Explore the evolving landscape of the high street, driven by shifts in consumer behaviour and the rise of online shopping, and how retailers are adapting to create unique in-store experiences. Finally, understand the growing demand for interim CFOs in today’s dynamic business environment, and how these professionals are crucial in navigating financial stability and strategic change.

In this edition, Andy shares his recent video interview with Faisal Galaria, an experienced leader in the tech sector, who helped build brands such as Skype and Spotify to be the powerhouses they are today. Louise Beales in the Charities Practice discusses the importance of effective leadership in steering organisations through testing times. The Consumer and Retail Practice delve into the critical role of interim executives in mergers and acquisitions, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and future trends within this space and finally, the Private Equity Practice speaks to Kevin Hall, a cyber security expert at Aon who works with around 35 private equity firms on managing cyber risk in the investment lifecycle.

Following the recent General Election, Jes Ladva sought to highlight the often underappreciated responsibilities of the Returning Officer. With the UK healthcare sector facing significant changes and uncertainties as the new government outlines its vision for the next decade, SJ Leatherdale, Partner in the Healthcare and Life Sciences Practice, explores the sector's challenges and opportunities. This includes the role of independent healthcare providers and the critical importance of succession planning. Meanwhile, our Technology Practice reflects on the trends observed over the past eight months, following a challenging 2023. Additionally, SJ Leatherdale engages in a conversation with Davinder Virdi, discussing his over 30-year career in c-suite roles.

In the aftermath of Labour’s decisive election victory, the Consumer and Retail Practice delve into the implications of political shifts for the retail industry. The recent King’s Speech, marked by an unprecedented flurry of policy announcements—the most since 2005—has set the stage for a complex web of legislation. As organisations grapple with this myriad of laws, they’ll need visionary leaders who can navigate the evolving landscape. Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI), the buzzworthy technology that encompasses machine learning, natural language processing, robotic process automation, and large language models. Amidst the headlines, AI presents immense opportunities. Executive Interims experienced in implementing these cutting-edge technologies within firms can drive extraordinary results. In a recent webinar, Tom Legard, Partner in the Industrial Practice at Odgers Interim, and Devraj Banerji, SAP Programme Director, engaged in a deep dive on successful ERP implementations, with a specific focus on SAP.

In this month’s edition, we reflect on the career journey of Darren Leigh, CEO of Unipart Group. It highlights how his early experiences as a YTS apprentice shaped his leadership approach and contributed to his success. Will Nash, Consultant in our Industrial Practice, recently hosted a webinar where he was joined by a seasoned expert who has advised on over 100 transactions during the past 15 years. They focused on corporate transactions and the strategies for managing complex business changes, including mergers, acquisitions, and divestments. As the UK general election approaches, the housebuilding sector stands at a critical juncture. Chief executives and managing directors across various industries crave stability and certainty to make informed investment decisions. Finally, the Sports, Media and Gaming Practice and the Education Practice, bridge the worlds of football and education. We discuss how sports and academics intersect, offering unique perspectives on leadership, teamwork and personal

In this edition, we explore navigating the energy transition. The FS Practice explore how incorporating individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds into your strategy can enhance ESG initiatives. The Sports, Media and Entertainment Practice talk us through big football clubs reimagining their stadiums as multi-use entertainment destinations. Finally, following a recent event hosted by the Government Practice, we look at how leaders can improve sustainability practices.

In this edition, the Sports, Media and Gaming Practice, offer some tips on finding the best leadership candidate. We recently hosted a virtual round table featuring industry experts who covered value creation in supply chain. Odgers Healthcare Partners and Head of Private Equity Solutions, discuss health investing trends with expert in the field Vernon Baxter, as a general election looms closer and finally, we heard from Paul Stein, former Chair of Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactors and sustainable energy expert, on his argument that mature physics must be prioritised over new technologies if net zero goals are to be met.

In this edition, we explore how to navigate a career post-politics and the exciting opportunities for talented national and local politicians. We celebrated Neurodiversity Awareness Week this month and were fortunate to speak to Dr Vina Theodorakopoulou, board member at GAIN (Group for Autism, Insurance, Investment and Neurodiversity), on why organisations that genuinely champion cognitive diversity achieve a competitive edge. The Charities Practice highlights that investing in the workforce strategy and engagement skills of a Chief People Officer can lead to a significant reduction in costs through improved recruitment and retention, as well as boosting team development and individual performance. Finally, the landscape of education faces its own challenges. Amidst rising costs and shifting paradigms, universities grapple with the complexities of sustaining themselves financially while maintaining academic excellence.

In this edition, we delve into diverse realms of leadership, talent migration, captivating sports narratives, and the intricate challenges facing retailers. The Education Practice takes centre stage with insights from a webinar on ED&I leadership in higher education, emphasising the crucial task of dismantling barriers to progression. The Government Practice explores intriguing opportunities for top public sector talent, navigating the exciting intersection between government expertise and the dynamic world of sports. Unveiling the drama behind sporting icons, we turn our attention to the rise of sports documentaries, a realm that captivates media companies, viewers, and those influencing the narratives. Lastly, the Consumer and Retail Practice unravels six significant issues confronting retailers, providing an insightful journey through the complexities of the retail landscape.

In this issue, we explore the six major issues facing local authorities in 2024. The Financial Services Practice hosted a webinar with Andrew Rodgers, Principal, Odgers Berndtson Leadership Practice, who offered practical advice on hot topics around transforming individual and team leadership. Annaliese Rogers shares practical tips to improve the diversity of your workforce and finally, we delve into the key characteristics of the Fractional General Counsel. Discover how this approach is reshaping the legal landscape and providing businesses with a strategic advantage.

In this edition, Jes Ladva, Managing Partner and Head of Practice for Local and Central Government at Odgers Interim, contends that the influence and beneficial effects of Government Departments and their leadership are frequently underestimated or disregarded. The Sports Practice takes a forward look to 2024, examining key trends in the sector. The Financial Services Practice recently organised an event centred on ESG and other sustainability matters. Lastly, the Insurance Practice delves into this year's industry trends and offers insights into what can be anticipated in 2024.

In this issue, we explain how Family Offices can boost value creation by working with and learning from private equity. The Industrial and Transportation Practice, sees the growing use of AI in the building sector as a positive development that will drive greater innovation and better collaboration. We share OLASE, a semi-serious 'alternative FTSE,' shedding light on the immense impact of local authorities and the exceptional skills of Chief Executives, Directors, and leaders in the sector. Despite juggling thousands of statutory responsibilities and numerous service lines, councils remain widely misunderstood. Finally, the Consumer and Retail Practice, spoke to Steve Corby, an experienced business leader with a proven track record of success throughout a career spanning 30 years in UK FMCG.