Retail and Consumer Goods

Retailers are faced with the challenge of how to respond to new online business models, e.g. in developing multi-channel strategies. In addition, conventional retailers have recently been confronted with increasing changes in consumers’ purchasing behavior, decision-making processes and the increasing use of mobile devices and comparison portals. The challenge is how to convert these changes into opportunities for their own business model.

Manufacturers of consumer goods, who are focusing on international and emerging markets to reach the critical mass, are confronted with “smart shoppers”, volatile commodity markets, competitive pressure on innovation and pricing and a growing concentration in the retail sector.

The experienced partners of Executive Interim Partners support retail companies and consumer goods manufacturers with their know-how in the sector as interim managers and consultants in various categories such as food and beverages, cosmetics, consumer durables or fashion, with a strong focus on the following tasks:

• Operational support in the implementation of value enhancing programs for short and medium-term cost optimization projects (e.g. in the areas of purchasing/SCM, administration and production), top-line acceleration initiatives (e.g. internationalization, innovation or optimization of the assortment and service portfolio, focused communication strategies) and cash flow improvement programs (e.g. working capital reduction)
• Takeover of interim management functions in executive positions (CRO, CEO, CFO, CPO, CSO, CMO, etc.) or project management and implementation support for performance improvement programs, as a part of restructuring projects or before/after an acquisition.
• Support in commercial and operational due diligence projects providing industrial and functional expertise in case of an acquisition or portfolio adjustments.

Our partner team has extensive experience and references from previous interim management and consulting projects in the retail & consumer goods sector. We happily provide you with further details about the references after consultation with the respective companies.

For further information on the retail & consumer goods sector, Marcus Brüning, Mike Weccardt, Bodo Wendenburg und Christian Strasoldo are also available to you.