Executive Profile
Richard Brentnall FCILT
Group Operations & Supply Chain Director
Author of The Illusion of Control
Richard Brentnall is an enterprise operating leader trusted to improve EBITDA, cash flow and capital efficiency across complex, multi-market organisations.
With over 25 years across FMCG, retail, consumer and logistics environments, he operates at Group Director and acting COO level with accountability spanning margin, working capital, enterprise risk and operating performance across platforms of up to 28 markets.
He holds £1.4bn of P&L and working capital accountability, working directly with boards, executive committees, investors and banking partners during periods of transformation, stabilisation and structural change.
His approach treats operations as an integrated enterprise system, where performance is determined by operating model design, governance clarity and disciplined capital allocation.
Enterprise Accountability
• Delivered structural value creation exceeding £80m through enterprise operating model redesign, network optimisation and automation sequencing
• Led a £16m structural cost reset restoring margin integrity, cash discipline and operational performance
• Removed £12m annual Brexit duty exposure through European network restructuring, protecting margin and strengthening balance sheet resilience
• Executive sponsor for SAP ECC to S/4HANA transformation across 28 international markets, ensuring governance alignment, risk control and execution discipline
Operating Philosophy
Enterprise performance rarely fails because of strategy.
It fails when governance clarity, operating discipline and capital allocation drift apart.
Focus is on restoring alignment between these forces so performance becomes durable rather than episodic.
This requires balancing cost, service, resilience and working capital to support long-term shareholder value.
Board & Investor Support
Supports boards, investors and leadership teams navigating enterprise transformation, operating model redesign and performance alignment at scale.
Focus areas include:
• Governance clarity
• Operating model design
• Capital sequencing
• Enterprise execution rhythm
Typically engaged during periods of performance inflection, scale transition or structural change where enterprise-level judgement determines outcome.
Selected Career Trajectory
Group Logistics Director – Nomad Foods
Head of Network Strategy – Marks & Spencer
Head of European Supply Chain – Clarks
Head of Supply Chain – The Entertainer
Acting COO-Level Turnaround – Palmer & Harvey
Technology & Governance
Enterprise ERP Governance
Executive sponsor of SAP ECC to S/4HANA transformation across 28 markets
Enterprise Data Architecture
Cross-market visibility, control tower governance and performance alignment.
Planning & Performance Systems
Integrated forecasting, inventory optimisation and enterprise planning cadence.
Automation & Network Modernisation
Warehouse, transport and network automation governance at scale.
Executive Materials
Executive Operating Summary
Download Executive Operating Summary (PDF)
Prepared for board, investor and executive search discussions.
For board or executive enquiries: