This week’s edition spotlights leadership choices made under pressure from cyber risk, succession planning, shifting client demand, and profit headwinds. You will see how M&S responds to a costly cyberattack with portfolio realignment, how Bank of America advances its bench through dual presidents, and how Lazard Asset Management brings in a growth focused chief amid regulatory change. We also track Intel’s restructuring to centralize engineering around custom chips and WPP’s choice of a technology seasoned leader during a profit warning.
Across these stories, the common thread is execution with clarity. Boards are simplifying operating models, tightening decision rights, and pairing strategy shifts with accountable leadership moves. Organizations that communicate early and support managers with clear goals, tooling, and milestones will convert plans into results.
M&S Chief Digital and Technology Officer exits after cyberattack fallout
Rachel Higham stepped down from her role at Marks & Spencer a little over a year into the job following a cyberattack that severely disrupted online operations. The company expects an operating profit hit of about £300 million in 2025–2026 and plans to offset part of the impact through insurance claims and cost savings. Leadership responsibilities are realigning, with Sacha Berendji taking on digital and technology alongside property and store development, and Thinus Keeve reporting directly to the CEO. Shares are down roughly 8.5 percent this year as the team works to stabilize digital performance. The moves signal a focus on tighter oversight and faster recovery in core ecommerce systems.
Source: Reuters
Bank of America names co-presidents in major leadership shuffle
Bank of America appointed Dean Athanasia and Jim DeMare as co-presidents in a step that strengthens succession planning under CEO Brian Moynihan. CFO Alastair Borthwick was elevated to executive vice president while retaining his finance post, reinforcing continuity ahead of a long awaited investor day in November. Moynihan said he will continue as CEO through what he describes as the second decade of the firm’s transformation strategy. The expanded bench is designed to clarify operating responsibilities and signal depth to investors. The timing suggests an emphasis on steady execution into the capital markets update.
Source: Barron’s
Lazard Asset Management appoints Christopher Hogbin as new CEO
Lazard Asset Management will install Christopher Hogbin as CEO in December 2025, succeeding Evan Russo. Hogbin arrives from AllianceBernstein with leadership experience across public and private markets, a background that aligns with client demand for broader alternatives exposure. Directors framed the choice as an investment in long term growth and product breadth while the sector faces evolving rules and fee pressure. The appointment also positions Lazard to refine distribution and risk management as mandates shift. Execution will hinge on balancing innovation with regulatory and fiduciary discipline.
Source: Financial News
Intel removes longtime Products CEO and restructures executive ranks
Intel removed Michelle Johnston Holthaus as head of its Products division after more than 30 years at the company, and will not replace the role directly. New CEO Lip Bu Tan is creating a Central Engineering unit and refocusing investment on custom designs and external customer opportunities. Additional changes include updates to the engineering org chart and fresh leaders in several core groups. The rewire is intended to streamline decision making and speed delivery to key clients. Success will depend on tighter roadmaps, predictable tape-outs, and disciplined capital allocation.
Source: The Times of India
WPP appoints Cindy Rose as CEO amid profit warning and transformation needs
WPP named Cindy Rose as CEO effective September 1, 2025, succeeding Mark Read during a period marked by a surprise profit warning. Rose brings senior experience from Microsoft along with legal, public sector, and technology credentials that align with WPP’s push into digital transformation and customer relationship management services. Insiders see the move as a stabilizing step that couples operational rigor with a more tech forward commercial model. Rose is also the first woman to lead a global advertising holding company. The mandate is clear: restore growth, rebuild confidence, and modernize the platform.
Source: Business Insider
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