The Chairmans Club - Corporate Renewal Associates
Corporate Renewal Associates
CRA works with client firms faced with the need to make transitions which are outside their previous experience and when memory models of the future don't work. Typical turning points are mergers, leadership change and cumulative radical shifts in the external and competitive environment. In most cases there is no one silver bullet and solutions require strategy, executive resources and cultures to be simultaneously realigned.
The firm works in two main areas; the first as catalyst and think tank with the top leadership in defining the right questions; the second as support to the top executive team who have to answer them and make change happen.
We operate through small, multi-disciplinary teams in close co-operation with internal management by constant interaction of analysis and stimulation of the responsible executives. Associates work at the leading edge of their particular specialisms as facilitators in strategy, governance, Boardroom practices, value frames and organisational design. The aim at all times is to develop a re-alignment of business objectives, core values, organization capabilities and key players with the emerging external environment.
We have worked with a wide range of clients in many different sectors including GE (USA), Standard Chartered Bank, Smiths Industries, Arcadia, BP, Amec, Shell, the Post Office, BZW, Abbey National, Inchcape, Mowlem, United Utilities, BPB, The Central Policy Review Board, Nesté and Oxfam.
Recurring issues have been to do with how to translate domestic strength into international success? How to establish a value-adding board? How to unify competing components in a merger? How to kick-on from previous high level success? How to restore exceptional energy and focus to a poorly performing company?
These are all ‘turning point’ questions which call for a blend of skills and experience to do with
- understanding how strategy, leadership, organisational structure and culture interact at the top of organizations
- helping organisations to identify the right questions and the appropriate levers for change
- balancing competency with strategy and building on existing strengths
- working intimately with the top team as supporter, catalyst and critic over a sustained period of time
Complementing these consultancy services, CRA organizes and supports the Chairmans Club, a forum for invited heads of international businesses across all sectors. The Club addresses a broad range of contemporary management and market issues, providing through discussion and interaction a continuous flow of insight into top management thinking and agendas.