Northwind Logistics
Logistics
·
2023
A succession plan for a family-owned logistics group
After forty years under one founder, Northwind needed a new CEO and a board that could hold them to account. We guided the transition over a year.
Transition, on schedule
Key client losses
Independent directors added
01
The challenge
Northwind Logistics came to us with a clear symptom and an unclear cause. After forty years under one founder, Northwind needed a new CEO and a board that could hold them to account.
Leadership had tried incremental fixes for two years. Each one helped a little and none of them changed the trajectory. The board wanted a decision, not another report.
02
Our approach
We started with the evidence: customer data, unit economics and interviews with the people closest to the work. Within four weeks we had a fact base the whole leadership team agreed on.
From there we framed three real options, modelled the trade-offs and worked with the executive team until there was one clear, owned choice. A partner stayed in the room through implementation.
03
The outcome
The result: 12 mo transition, on schedule, with 0 key client losses and 3 independent directors added.
More important than the numbers, the leadership team now runs the plan without us. We still meet every quarter to review progress against target.
Project details
Client
Northwind Logistics
Industry
Logistics
Practice
Leadership advisory
Duration
Ongoing
Year
2023
Lead partner
Clara Lindqvist
Partner · Leadership
How it unfolded
Three phases, one owner at every step.
Total engagement · Ongoing
01
Months 1–3
Listen to the family
One-to-one conversations with every shareholder and the senior team.
02
Months 4–7
Define the role and the bench
A clear CEO profile, assessment of internal candidates and a discreet external search.
03
Months 8–12
Transition with care
A structured handover, a new board charter and a year of quarterly check-ins.
Client voice
They behaved like owners, not advisors. That is rare, and it is why we keep calling them.
Helena Strand
Chair, PE-backed industrial group
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