Berwick Partners

Richard Guest recently spoke to Ben Farrell MBE, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, about how the role of the Chief Procurement Officer is moving much closer to the centre of enterprise leadership. During their conversation, Ben pointed to CIPS research showing a significant increase in the proportion of CPOs reporting directly to the CEO. This reflects a much broader change in the function. Today’s procurement leaders are increasingly responsible for sustainability, volatility, supply chain risk, and adjacent areas such as cyber. They are no longer just managing spend or negotiating contracts. They are helping organisations navigate some of their most important strategic challenges. As the scope and influence of the role continue to grow, should boards be looking more closely at procurement when considering their future CEO talent? Watch Richard’s full conversation with Ben: https://lnkd.in/e9WjVspk

Are fewer NHS operational leaders following the traditional route to COO? And what could that mean for the future leadership pipeline? Drawing on conversations across the sector, Helen Childs explores the shifting appeal of executive roles, the rise of the Deputy COO as a destination in its own right, and the implications for succession planning over the next decade. Read the carousel below or catch up with the full article on our website.

The consumer market has changed dramatically over the last decade. And leadership expectations have changed with it. In her first article for Berwick Partners, Beth Horsley shares her experience and perspective on what businesses are looking for in consumer leaders in 2026, and the qualities that consistently stand out during the hiring process. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/ebiq_sy5

What determines whether a CEO is successful in the manufacturing sector? Drawing on a recent CEO search for a PE-backed industrial manufacturing business, Jonathan Burke reflects on the leadership characteristics that consistently set the strongest candidates apart. From strategic vision to stakeholder engagement, six themes emerged that may challenge traditional perceptions. Read Jonathan's latest article here: https://lnkd.in/eS_XW3tC

What will define the next generation of finance leaders? Callum Gibson recently spoke with Graham Davies, CFO of Stagecoach London, about how the role of finance is evolving and the skills future CFOs will need to succeed. From AI and commercial judgement to broader experience and business transformation, their conversation highlighted four key themes. We’ve summarised them below, with more insights in the full article on our website.

The NHS continues to produce highly capable operational leaders. However, the question is whether enough of these leaders still want to follow the traditional path to COO. Deputy positions are becoming substantial career destinations in their own right. Leaders are placing greater value on stability and work-life balance. Larger organisational structures may also be limiting opportunities to gain early executive experience. Taken together, these trends could create an experience gap within the future COO talent pool. In her latest article, Helen Childs explores what she is hearing across the sector and why this should become a wider conversation about leadership development, succession planning and the future operational capacity of the NHS. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/eMSBP3iC nbsp;

For 25 years, Richard Guest has spent his career speaking with procurement and supply chain leaders across the world, watching the profession evolve from a function often associated with cost reduction into a critical driver of commercial success, resilience, and business transformation. Our brand new ‘Procurement & Supply Chain Leader to CEO’ series builds on those years of conversations, exploring how procurement leaders are increasingly shaping business strategy, influencing boardroom decisions, and stepping into enterprise leadership roles. In episode one, Richard speaks with Ben Farrell MBE, CEO of CIPS - The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, about the changing role of the CPO and the capabilities required to move into the CEO seat. Their discussion covers: • Why procurement skills are becoming increasingly relevant in the boardroom • How the strongest CPOs are helping shape enterprise-wide AI strategy • Why aspiring CEOs must move beyond functional expertise • The leadership shift from control to empowerment • Why boards should look more closely at procurement and supply chain professionals when considering future CEO talent. As Ben notes during the conversation, the skills developed in procurement and supply are becoming some of the most valuable in modern leadership. Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eYaVPQG9

The role of the finance leader is changing. Technical expertise remains essential, but todays finance leaders are increasingly expected to contribute far beyond reporting and compliance. They are influencing strategy, driving transformation, interpreting data, and helping organisations navigate complex decisions. Callum Gibson, Consultant in our Financial Leadership Practice, recently sat down with Graham Davies, CFO at Stagecoach London, to discuss how the profession is evolving and what that means for the next generation of finance talent. Read the full article below: https://lnkd.in/e-Y2hhjt

World Mental Health Day is a moment to recognise the incredible professionals working across mental healthcare and the vital role they play in supporting individuals, families and communities.   In this insightful article, Helen Childs, Consultant in our Healthcare Practice, explores why leadership matters more than ever in today's increasingly complex mental health landscape. From workforce challenges and rising demand to strengthening collaboration between the NHS and independent sector, effective leadership is critical to delivering safe, compassionate and high-quality care.   As we mark #WorldMentalHealthDay, we encourage you to read Helen's article and join the conversation around the leadership needed to shape the future of mental healthcare.   Click here to read: https://lnkd.in/e3cVtut5

Leadership appointments are often about more than just the function they're hired into. Richard Guest recently partnered with BRUSH on the appointment of a Procurement Director, with responsibility across both its UK and Italian operations. The role was created at an important point in the development of the Transformers business, bringing together procurement activities across two countries while strengthening links between the wider group and its operation in Vicenza. The brief called for a combination of manufacturing procurement expertise, leadership capability and the ability to operate effectively across different cultures and ways of working. See how the search unfolded in the carousel below.