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

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.

Citation

O'Regan, N. and 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, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 72-78. https://doi.org/10.1108/17554251011019422