Progressing Mainland Europe / Vers Une Organisation « Europe Continentale »

May 19, 2023 | |

Note:  this news article is in English et en Français

 

 

Building on earlier changes linked to the creation of an aligned Mainland Europe business unit, we would like to communicate our plans to align the business unit under one leader instead of two.

The decision to move towards a single integrated Mainland European business unit was communicated in November 2022 to reverse the negative profit across the two business units in Europe and to ensure the right structure going forward.  Since then, we have successfully realised synergies in marketing, finance and the management of Amazon.

Progressing the plan

Our plan, subject to consultation feedback, is to make this change in leadership with effect from 1st July allowing the new Commercial Director for Mainland Europe time to establish an integrated commercial structure ahead of the 2024 Budget planning process. The expectation is that the 2024 Budget for Mainland Europe will lay out the path to profit for the region.

Continuing our focus on sustainable business

With the above changes being proposed, we recognise change is not always easy particularly in these unstable times.  We are however fully committed to being a sustainable business and these changes will enable us to deliver a future profitable business in Europe through: -

  • More efficient forecasting and joint business planning with major customers in Europe leading to reduced stock holding or slow-moving inventory.
  • Alignment of commercial terms leading to improved margins and transparency of pricing.
  • Greater efficiency and ROI of marketing spend with pan-Europe customers, including a reduction in the duplication of asset creation.
Next Steps

Whilst the two existing Commercial Director roles for Northern and Southern Europe are likely to be impacted, we will make every effort to minimise the number of redundancies by considering alternative roles across the business.  This consideration will be a core part of the consultation process.

We do, however, understand that this is a difficult time for the people impacted and we commit to showing respect support and transparency during the process.

In the meantime, I ask you to speak with your line manager if you have any questions or concerns.   If preferred, you can also post your questions to people@colart.co.uk

Gail Pasquier
Chief Commercial Officer