Richard (Rick) Haythornthwaite is a visionary British businessman with a distinguished career spanning multiple sectors. With a successful track record of running multinational companies, public sector initiatives, and not-for-profit organisations, Rick is a highly respected leader in the UK and the global business community.
Rick is Chairman of NatWest Group. He also serves as Chairman of Ocado Group, Non-Executive Director of The AA and Advisory Partner at investment bank, Moelis & Co.
Rick began his career in the energy sector, working for BP as an exploration geologist. After rising through various commercial and senior leadership roles, he moved to Premier Oil in 1995.
In 1997, Rick joined Blue Circle Industries where he led a major period of transformation, resulting in him becoming CEO. He went on to serve as CEO of Invensys where he restructured the company to divest non-core assets and refocus its business strategy.
Beyond his executive roles, Rick is a highly experienced advisor and board member. He was Chair of Mastercard for over 14 years, overseeing its transformation...Richard (Rick) Haythornthwaite is a visionary British businessman with a distinguished career spanning multiple sectors. With a successful track record of running multinational companies, public sector initiatives, and not-for-profit organisations, Rick is a highly respected leader in the UK and the global business community.
Rick is Chairman of NatWest Group. He also serves as Chairman of Ocado Group, Non-Executive Director of The AA and Advisory Partner at investment bank, Moelis & Co.
Rick began his career in the energy sector, working for BP as an exploration geologist. After rising through various commercial and senior leadership roles, he moved to Premier Oil in 1995.
In 1997, Rick joined Blue Circle Industries where he led a major period of transformation, resulting in him becoming CEO. He went on to serve as CEO of Invensys where he restructured the company to divest non-core assets and refocus its business strategy.
Beyond his executive roles, Rick is a highly experienced advisor and board member. He was Chair of Mastercard for over 14 years, overseeing its transformation into a global technology company.
He has also led the strategic development of key organisations like Network Rail and Centrica, and held the role of Chair at Railsr, Arc Holdings, QiO Technologies and Xynteo. His previous non-executive directorships comprise ICI, Cookson plc, Lafarge SA, Landsec, and Globant.
Rick’s leadership has also extended to arts and the creative industries, chairing the boards of the Southbank Centre, Almeida Theatre, the World Wide Web Foundation and Creative UK.
In 2022 he was appointed by the UK Government to conduct a review of the incentivisation of Armed Forces personnel. The highly regarded June 2023 Haythornthwaite Review of Armed Forces Incentivisation is now under consideration by the MOD.
Rick is a champion of regulatory reform and led the UK Better Regulation Commission and Risk & Regulatory Advisory Council.moreless
Invensys was a British multinational engineering and information technology company. Specialising in automation, controls, and industrial software, it served diverse sectors including energy, transportation, and manufacturing. Acquired by Schneider Electric in 2014, its technologies continue to be part of Schneider's industrial solutions.
Various senior positions, leaving as Group Chief Executive Officer
Jan 1997
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Jan 2001
Blue Circle Industries was a British public company manufacturing cement. Founded in the early 20th century, it became one of the largest cement producers globally. The company was acquired by Lafarge in 2001, subsequently becoming part of LafargeHolcim.
Premier Oil is a UK-based independent oil and gas company. It focuses on upstream activities, including exploration, drilling, and production. Operating mainly in the North Sea, Asia, and Latin America, the company aims for efficient extraction and responsible environmental practices.
BP is a British multinational energy company headquartered in London. One of the world's largest oil and gas firms, it operates in exploration, production, refining, and marketing. BP is increasingly investing in renewable energy sources to diversify its energy portfolio.
NatWest Group is a British banking and financial services company headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland. It offers a wide range of financial products including retail banking, commercial banking, and investment services. The group operates primarily through its NatWest, RBS, and Ulster Bank brands.
The AA, or Automobile Association, is a British motoring organisation founded in 1905. It provides roadside assistance, insurance, and driving services to its members. Known for its breakdown cover, the AA also offers vehicle inspections, legal advice, and route planning.
Ocado Group is a UK-based online grocery retailer and technology company. It operates its own grocery delivery service and provides e-commerce, fulfilment, and automation solutions to other retailers through its Ocado Smart Platform. The company is renowned for its innovation and logistical efficiency.
Railsr, formerly known as Railsbank, is a UK-based fintech company. It provides Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) solutions, enabling businesses to develop and offer their own financial products and services through its API (Application Programming Interface) platform.
Globant is a global technology services company specialising in IT consulting, software development, and design. It partners with organisations to drive digital transformation and employs agile methodologies to deliver scalable, innovative solutions.
QiO Technologies is a UK-based company focused on using industrial analytics and AI to combat climate change. It offers technology solutions that enhance operational efficiency and sustainability in manufacturing and utilities.
Arc Holdings is a well-known company in the glassware and tableware sector. It owns multiple brands, each catering to different market segments, from everyday use to luxury. Known for quality and innovation, its portfolio includes brands like Luminarc, Arcoroc, and Cristal d'Arques.
Creative UK is a non-profit organisation that represents the interests of the creative sector. It was formed in 2021 when Creative England and the Creative Industries Federation combined to bring together their collective capabilities and drive real change.
Mastercard
Chair
May 2006
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Dec 2020
London, UK
Mastercard is a global financial services company headquartered in the US. It facilitates electronic funds transfers through its branded credit, debit cards, and payment solutions, connecting consumers, businesses, and financial institutions.
Xynteo is an advisory firm with offices in Norway, India and the UK. The firm specialises in sustainability and leadership transformation. It collaborates with businesses to develop and implement long-term, commercially viable solutions that drive systemic change.
Centrica is a British multinational energy company headquartered in Windsor, UK. It provides gas, electricity, and home services to millions of customers primarily under the British Gas brand. The company focuses on energy supply, services, and solutions.
The World Wide Web Foundation is a global organisation founded by Sir Tim Berners-Lee. It advocates for affordable and equitable access to the internet, promotes digital inclusion, and seeks to establish open web standards to ensure a free and fair online environment. The Web Foundation relies on public support to carry out its mission to keep the web free and open to all.
Southbank Centre is a not-for-profit arts complex situated on the River Thames in London. Established in 1951, it hosts a wide range of cultural events, including music, dance, and visual arts. It comprises key venues like the Royal Festival Hall and the Hayward Gallery.
Network Rail
Chair
Jan 2009
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Jan 2012
London, UK
Network Rail is a British organisation responsible for the UK's railway infrastructure, including tracks, signals, and stations. Established in 2002, it aims to provide a safe and efficient rail network, undertaking maintenance, upgrades, and new projects to meet transportation needs.
Landsec is a British commercial property development and investment company, headquartered in London. Founded in 1944, it's one of the UK's largest real estate firms, focusing on retail, leisure, and office spaces. It aims for sustainability and innovation in its projects.
The British Council is a UK-based charity focused on cultural relations and educational opportunities. Established in 1934, it operates in over 100 countries, promoting British arts, education, and language courses while fostering international partnerships and exchanges.
Almeida Theatre is a London-based theatre known for its innovative productions and focus on contemporary works. Established in 1980, it has gained a reputation for high-quality performances, often featuring notable talent, and serves as a platform for both new and classic plays. Almeida Theatre is a registered UK charity.
ICI PLC
Non-Executive Director
Jan 2001
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Jan 2008
ICI PLC (Imperial Chemical Industries) was a British chemical company, one of the largest globally. Founded in 1926, it specialised in paints, food additives, and pharmaceuticals. Acquired by AkzoNobel in 2008, its legacy endures in various spin-off enterprises.
Lafarge SA is a French multinational company specialising in building materials, primarily cement, aggregates, and concrete and is a key player in the construction industry.
Cookson Group plc was a British multinational materials science company. Specialising in ceramics, electronics, and precious metals, it served various industries until its demerger into Alent plc and Vesuvius plc in 2012.
Moelis & Company is a global independent investment bank headquartered in New York City. It provides financial advisory services, including M&A, restructuring, and capital markets advice, to corporations, governments, and financial sponsors. The firm is well-known for its client-centric approach and expertise.
STAR Capital Partnership LLP is a private equity firm based in the United Kingdom. Specialising in asset-based investments, it targets underperforming or undervalued businesses across Europe. With a focus on creating value through strategic transformation, it often takes an active role in portfolio management.
Tate's Corporate Advisory Group serves as a consultative body to Tate's senior leadership, offering strategic input on corporate partnerships and fundraising. Comprising experts from various industries, the group helps align Tate's initiatives with corporate interests, facilitating mutually beneficial collaborations. Tate has full charitable status in the UK.
Speakers for Schools is a UK-based charity that aims to level the playing field for young people of all backgrounds. It provides inspirational talks and work experience opportunities by connecting students with influential figures from various industries to improve social mobility.
This interview is based on a talk given by Rick Haythornthwaite at the University of the West of England (UWE) in October 2015 in which he reflects on the ways in which digital disruption is impacting upon the nature of leadership.
An MIT Sloan Fellow is someone who has been selected for the MIT Sloan Fellows Program, an executive-level educational programme offered by the MIT Sloan School of Management. This programme is designed for mid-career professionals who exhibit strong leadership potential and a high level of accomplishment.
Rick Haythornthwaite was commissioned by the UK’s Secretary of State for Defence to perform an independent review into the incentivisation of UK Armed Forces personnel.
UK Better Regulation Commission | Risk and Regulation Advisory Council
Chair
Jan 2006
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Jan 2009
London, UK
The Better Regulation Commission was established in January 2006 to advise the UK government on ways to reduce unnecessary regulatory and administrative burdens. Additionally, it aimed to ensure that regulation and its enforcement were proportionate, accountable, consistent, transparent, and targeted. It was replaced by the Risk and Regulatory Advisory Council in 2008.
