Breakthrough strategy for an ocean logistics player

Facilitated a game-changing internal strategy development process for this private equity- owned global ocean logistics provider, resolving years-long strategic dilemmas.

Drawing on deep internal expertise and extensive research, analysis and challenge, together we created a growth strategy to strengthen their core business and develop new adjacent service lines. We went on to shape a comprehensive plan to implement the new strategy, as well as the organisational change to deliver it.

Context

This company’s CEO had been  brought in a year earlier to stabilise performance and was now seeking support to develop a growth strategy.

His senior team all had decades of experience in the transport and logistics industry and it was essential that experience be leveraged. Having worked with many international consulting firms in the past, the CEO was looking for a firm that would embrace leading a facilitated strategy development process, from within.

The work also had to address strategic questions that had been circling around for years, so the team leader needed to be able to provide robust, constructive, fact-based challenge to enable them to break through.

Approach

Our team created an approach structured around a drumbeat of weekly ExCo working sessions to craft the strategy drawing on their depth of industry knowledge.

After initial hypothesis development, we did the analyses and legwork to inform and frame strategic choices – including extensive qualitative and quantitative customer surveys – and facilitated the entire process.

Together, we articulated a coherent growth strategy and comprehensive implementation plan (including significant organisational changes), based on strengthening the client’s global network, optimising pricing and yield, delivering flawless and consistent execution for their customers, and expanding their digital capabilities to deliver it.

Impact

The growth strategy and implementation plan were endorsed by the Board, and an internal programme team set-up for delivery.

We worked closely with the client to ensure the implementation plan was thoroughly defined, with detailed action plans, targets, and milestones, as well as clear leadership, resourcing, and investments. Delivery is well underway.