Aligning global leadership around a unified data platform
Financial Services
Challenge
Leadership at a global insurer aimed to implement a unified global data platform, but several operating companies were reluctant to commit resources and questioned the value of the initiative.
Role
Led an intensive strategy sprint bringing together C-level executives and product leaders across operating companies. Through stakeholder interviews and facilitated dialogue, I identified the root causes of resistance and guided leaders in co-creating a new rollout model aligning global priorities with local incentives.
Outcome
Alignment across global and local leadership, a reframed value proposition for the platform, and approval of a rollout strategy that unlocked implementation momentum.
Securing board approval for a digital service ecosystem
Professional Services
Challenge
TÜV SÜD’s CTO aimed to launch a centralised digital client service portal across multiple business units. Operational teams resisted the initiative and the board had not approved the investment.
Role
Led a discovery sprint working with leaders across business units to uncover the drivers behind the resistance and identify opportunities for value creation. Reframed the initiative from a “mandatory portal” into a value-driven ecosystem enabling reusable digital services while reducing costs.
Outcome
A new strategic narrative and business case that secured board approval and enabled the organisation to move forward with the initiative.
Defining a strategic path forward for a leading publisher
Media
Challenge
One of North America’s largest publishers, sought to strengthen its positioning and appeal to advertisers amid growing competition from digital platforms. Leadership recognised the need for change but lacked shared clarity on the way forward.
Role
Following a discovery process, facilitated a strategy sprint bringing together senior stakeholders across the organisation to assess advertiser expectations against Postmedia’s unique assets and identify priority areas for growth.
Outcome
From fragmented ideas to shared strategic direction, with a 3/6/12-month roadmap approved and rolled out across the organisation.
Supporting the creation of IKEA’s digital food venture
Retail
Challenge
IKEA launched a new venture to digitally transform its global food business. Leadership needed clarity on what “digital food” should mean for the organisation and where to invest.
Role
Worked as a strategic partner to the venture team, combining customer research, trend analysis and leadership workshops to identify opportunity spaces and define product priorities. Supported the team in shaping processes, building capabilities and launching new digital services.
Outcome
Vision and strategy for the venture, a portfolio of digital products and services launched globally, and operational capabilities established within the team.
Scaling digital capability across a global media agency
Media / Marketing
Challenge
When I joined MEC, one of WPP’s largest media agencies, digital channels such as social media and content were emerging but lacked clear strategic integration within the agency’s offering.
Role
Senior Digital Partner and Head of Social Media & Emerging Platforms across EMEA. Led the development of the agency’s social capability and helped codify a new digital strategy centred on owned and earned media.
Outcome
Social listening and engagement integrated into agency operations and client strategies. The social media specialist capability grew from three people to more than fifty across EMEA, supporting digital strategies for clients including Michelin, Blizzard and SABMiller.
Building an open innovation ecosystem for Marriott
Hospitality
Challenge
Marriott wanted to strengthen its appeal among a new generation of business travellers. Traditional marketing and sponsorship initiatives were not achieving the desired impact.
Role
Designed and led Marriott TestBED, an open innovation programme connecting startups and hotel teams to test new technologies and demonstrate Marriott’s transformation in practice.
Outcome
Hundreds of startups mapped and evaluated, multiple pilots conducted in hotels, and authentic brand storytelling that positioned Marriott as a leader in hospitality innovation.
Exploring new growth opportunities across industries
Multiple sectors
Challenge
Many organisations seek growth through new markets, services or customer segments, but leadership teams often lack clarity on which opportunities are worth pursuing.
Role
Supported leadership teams in exploring and validating new growth opportunities by mapping opportunity spaces, identifying problem–solution fit and testing product–market fit.
Examples include
• IKEA — exploring food retail beyond the store
• TÜV SÜD — expanding into property management services
• Roche — developing new digital health services
• Telefónica O2 — introducing financial tools
Outcome
Multiple new products and services launched across industries and markets.
Some kind words
“Guy brings rare value as a strategic advisor who helps leaders and teams shift from short-term firefighting to long-term, resilient growth - guiding product strategy within a broader end-to-end business vision.”
— Simone Papa, Global Head of Digital Products, Energy services and Food at IKEA
“The way Guy helped align leadership, clarify vision, and rebuild team dynamics was seriously impressive and had transformative effect.”
— Axel Dumont, strategic advisor; former President Canada at Cossette Media
“A genuine game-changer. The strategy session didn't just capture every voice; it propelled our team past siloed thinking into big-picture strategy. The outcome was clear priorities and improved alignment.”
— Christoph Pleitgen, Managing Director at the Westerwelle Foundation