On Demand Executive Leader, Chief Executive Officer, Mentor and Senior Advisor
+61 419 603 813
Stephen.Warner@LeadersOnDemand.com
Stephen is a commercially astute, energetic, consumer and customer focused CEO, Chair and Board Director with a demonstrated record of unlocking the potential of strong teams for commercial success in complex or new business environments including scale up, start up and business transformation.
With over 25 years broad commercial experience gained in private equity, private SMEs and multinational blue-chip FMCG businesses (B2B and B2C), he’s delivered with entrepreneurial flair, high levels of complexity in product categories, matrix organisation and routes to market, (especially 'owned' ECommerce).
Stephen is described as insightful, pioneering and visionary while leading a team- wide focus on results through clarity in purpose, strategy and great execution. He works collaboratively but with pace bringing wisdom and calm in VUCA environments.
Career History
Stephen’s career commenced in with NYSE listed Sara Lee Corporation in the UK where he held various marketing and business director roles before moving to Australia to join the Executive leadership team and ultimately be appointed Country Chairman and Managing Director, a role which he held for 6 years and oversaw significant business transformation, divestments and serving as chair of the country boards.
He was then appointed to Unilever as Asia Pacific Zone Director for the Professional Haircare Division, where he transformed the go to market model for the business.
Since leaving the multinationals, Stephen has focussed his energy on consulting, interim management and working in private equity, notably as CEO of Pump Group Australia for the roll up of founder-led hair care brands with private equity investors.
Leadership Highlights
Significant transformation of Sara Lee Australia/NZ: new organisation model, site closures, new sites start-up and relocations
Turnaround and sustainable growth model for Unilever Hair business: complete change of distributors and ‘go to market’
Acquired two ‘founder led’ businesses in newly formed Pump Group Australia organisation with private equity investors: integrated both by building a team and systems to designing and deploying growth strategies
Reorientation of brand and customer portfolios to optimise business strategy
Large and small organisation strategy assessment and recommendations for change
Qualifications
BSC First Class Honours Economics and Business, Fellow of Australian Institute of Company Directors
Sectors
FMCG, Consumer Goods, Media, Industrials, B2B and B2C commercial ‘Go To Market’ design, Retail
Functions
CEO, COO, General Management, Strategy, Transformation, Restructuring (Planning and Implementation), Board Chair, NED
Situations
Crisis and Turnarounds, Enterprise wide transformations, commercial function audits, Leadership Transitions, High speed growth, Start-up, Scale-up, Private equity, Transactions
Favourite quotes
“Forget past mistakes, forget failures. Forget everything except what you are going to do next” Willian Durant
“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying where you do not belong” N R Narayana Murthy
“I joined Leaders on Demand...
... to work with leaders who really want to holistically change their businesses for the better. By working with the team re-energizing their market offer for improved commercial results or to achieve other strategic objectives, I always want to leave a legacy for the team through my work after my assignment”
“When I'm not at work...
... I'm found spending time with family and friends, keeping fit (with the help of a trainer) and enjoying good films, food and wine!”