CTR PARTNERS

Founded in 2017, with a proven track record of success, we have partnered with esteemed global brands, household names, and FTSE 100 businesses to drive their evolution and growth. From strategic planning and operational enhancements to digital transformation and cultural change, our innovative solutions have empowered our clients to thrive in today's dynamic marketplace.

Explore our case studies to gain valuable insights into the tangible outcomes we have delivered for our clients. Witness the remarkable results we achieved by leveraging our deep industry knowledge, cutting-edge methodologies, and collaborative approach. Each story unveils our powerful impact, driving tangible growth, increasing efficiency, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

case studies

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case studies 〰️

Driving Technology and Digital Transformation at Wagamama

Wagamama, a leading global restaurant group, recognised the need to accelerate digital capability and modernise its technology landscape to support evolving customer expectations and operational demands.

To enable this, Wagamama partnered with CTR Partners to strengthen technology leadership and deliver critical transformation programmes. Working directly with the Head of Change, we deployed specialist digital and technology expertise and provided programme delivery support to ensure strategic initiatives were executed at pace.

Together, we embedded experienced change leaders, aligned technology and operational priorities, and successfully delivered a major technology modernisation programme across the organisation.

  • 1. Outdated Technology Infrastructure: The existing technology infrastructure was not equipped to handle the increasing demands of a modern and dynamic restaurant business. The outdated systems and processes hindered operational efficiency and customer experience.

    2. Digital Transformation: To stay competitive in the digital age, Wagamama needed to undergo a comprehensive digital transformation. This included enhancing their online ordering platforms, improving customer engagement through personalised experiences, and optimising internal operations through innovative digital solutions.

    3. Talent Acquisition: Wagamama required a team of highly skilled professionals to spearhead their technology and digital transformation initiatives. They sought contractors who could bring expertise in areas such as software development, infrastructure optimisation, data analytics, and project management.

  • 1. Strategic Alignment
    We began by immersing ourselves in Wagamama’s technology vision and transformation agenda.
    By understanding strategic priorities, delivery pressures, and capability gaps, we aligned resources to the outcomes that mattered most.

    2. Targeted Leadership & Delivery Support
    We deployed a tailored bench of proven technology and change specialists — selected for their experience delivering complex, multi-site transformation programmes.
    These operators integrated with Wagamama’s leadership and technology functions to provide momentum, capability, and execution strength.

    3. Embedded Partnership & Governance
    Working closely with the Head of Change and senior stakeholders, we established a collaborative engagement model with clear governance, communication cadence, and delivery accountability.
    CTR acted as an extension of the internal team — ensuring alignment, continuity, and pace throughout the programme.

    4. Digital & Technology Enablement
    Our experts supported the modernisation of core technology platforms and digital channels, including infrastructure upgrades, enhancements to ordering and customer platforms, and the introduction of data-driven insight to improve operational performance.
    The focus was on enabling scalable digital capability, strengthening delivery foundations, and driving tangible business value.

  • 1. Modernised Technology Foundations
    Wagamama successfully upgraded its core technology infrastructure, improving stability, scalability, and operational efficiency across the estate.
    This strengthened platform enabled faster innovation, seamless customer experiences, and improved performance across digital and in-restaurant channels.

    2. Accelerated Digital Delivery
    With specialist leadership and delivery capability embedded into the programme, digital initiatives moved faster and with greater precision.
    Customer engagement, online ordering, and data-driven decision-making matured significantly — supporting stronger loyalty, better service, and commercial growth.

    3. Proven Transformation Leadership Deployed
    CTR Partners introduced seasoned programme and technology specialists who played critical roles in shaping delivery, unblocking challenges, and driving momentum.
    Their hands-on leadership helped maintain pace, meet key milestones, and instil delivery discipline across the transformation programme.

    4. Internal Capability & Confidence Strengthened
    Wagamama’s internal teams gained exposure to best-practice delivery methods, emerging technologies, and modern digital operating rhythms.
    This strengthened internal capability, improved cross-functional collaboration, and left the business with a stronger foundation for ongoing transformation.

Enabling a Secure and Successful Gas Business Separation at National Grid

National Grid embarked on a major two-year separation programme to spin out its gas business into a new privately owned entity. With cybersecurity a critical dependency for the separation, the CIO partnered with CTR Partners to build the security leadership capability required to safeguard the programme and the future organisation.

CTR Partners deployed a CISO and established the wider security leadership team, alongside specialist consultants to support the separation. Working as an extension of the executive function, we helped architect the security strategy, enable secure separation of core systems, and ensure the new business launched with robust, fit-for-purpose security governance and operating capability.

  • 1. Cybersecurity Leadership: Establishing a robust and effective cybersecurity leadership team was essential to safeguarding the newly formed private entity from potential cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

    2. Expertise and Experience: National Grid required individuals with extensive expertise in cybersecurity and a deep understanding of the energy and utilities industry. The candidates needed to possess the knowledge and skills to address the unique security challenges specific to the gas business separation.

    3. Consulting Support: In addition to the security leadership team, National Grid sought top-tier consultants who could provide specialised guidance and support throughout the separation program. These consultants were expected to bring domain expertise in energy sector transformations and cybersecurity frameworks.

  • 1. Comprehensive Candidate Search: CTR Partners embarked on a rigorous search process to identify candidates with the right blend of expertise, experience, and leadership qualities to fulfill the cybersecurity leadership roles. We utilised our extensive network and industry knowledge to source candidates who had a proven track record in leading cybersecurity initiatives within the energy and utilities sector.

    2. Tailored Talent Acquisition: CTR Partners worked closely with the CIO and National Grid's stakeholders to understand the specific requirements and culture of the organisation. This enabled us to present a shortlist of highly qualified candidates who not only possessed the requisite technical skills but also aligned with National Grid's values and vision.

    3. Specialised Consultants: In parallel, CTR Partners engaged top-tier consultants with deep expertise in energy sector transformations and cybersecurity frameworks. These consultants brought their extensive industry knowledge to support the gas business separation program. Their insights and guidance ensured that the security considerations were integrated seamlessly into the overall project.

    4. Collaborative Partnership: CTR Partners fostered a collaborative partnership with National Grid, working closely with the CIO and internal stakeholders to ensure a smooth integration of the security leadership team and consultants. We provided ongoing support, facilitating effective communication and synergy between the consultants and internal teams.

  • 1. Security Leadership Team: CTR Partners successfully placed a highly qualified and experienced CISO, along with a comprehensive security leadership team. This team brought deep knowledge and expertise in the energy and utilities industry, enabling National Grid to establish a strong security foundation for the gas business separation.

    2. Robust Cybersecurity Strategy: The appointed security leadership team developed and executed a robust cybersecurity strategy that addressed the specific challenges of the gas business separation. They implemented measures to mitigate risks, safeguard critical assets, and ensure regulatory compliance.

    3. Seamless Gas Business Separation: The top-tier consultants provided by CTR Partners played a crucial role in supporting the separation program. Their specialised knowledge in energy sector transformations and cybersecurity frameworks helped National Grid navigate the complexities of the separation process while maintaining a strong security posture.

    4. Continued Support: Throughout the engagement, CTR Partners remained committed to providing ongoing support and guidance. We facilitated regular communication, ensuring that any emerging security challenges were addressed promptly, and the project stayed on track.

Delivering a Successful Finance Transformation at DAC Beachcroft

DAC Beachcroft, a leading international law firm, initiated a major finance transformation programme to transition from Elite to Elite3E — a critical modernisation to enhance financial performance, control, and scalability across the firm. CTR Partners was engaged to strengthen the programme’s leadership and delivery capability. Working closely with senior stakeholders, we deployed an experienced Programme Director and built out the supporting project delivery team to drive execution, manage complexity, and ensure the transformation progressed to the required timeline and quality standards.

  • 1. System Replacement: Replacing an existing finance system is a complex undertaking that requires meticulous planning, coordination, and a deep understanding of financial processes within a legal services context.

    2. Expertise and Leadership: DAC Beachcroft needed a seasoned Programme Director who possessed extensive experience in finance system implementations, change management, and a solid understanding of the legal industry. Additionally, the project and program team members needed to have the technical expertise and domain knowledge to ensure a seamless transition to Elite3E.

    3. Timeframe and Deliverables: The project had specific time constraints, and it was crucial to deliver the implementation on time while minimising disruption to daily finance operations.

  • 1. Thorough Candidate Assessment: CTR Partners conducted a comprehensive assessment to identify candidates with the right skill set, expertise, and experience in finance system transformations. We evaluated their track record of successful implementations, change management capabilities, and familiarity with legal industry-specific financial processes.

    2. Programme Director Placement: Leveraging our extensive network and industry knowledge, CTR Partners sourced a highly qualified Programme Director who possessed the requisite leadership qualities, project management skills, and legal industry experience. The selected Programme Director had a proven track record in delivering successful finance system implementations within complex organisations.

    3. Expert Project and Program Team: CTR Partners identified and placed a dedicated project and program team with the technical expertise required for a successful Elite3E implementation. These team members brought a deep understanding of financial processes, technology integration, and change management within legal services.

    4. Collaborative Partnership: CTR Partners fostered a collaborative partnership with DAC Beachcroft, working closely with stakeholders to ensure a seamless integration of the Programme Director and project team. We provided ongoing support and guidance, facilitating effective communication, and fostering a collaborative work environment.

  • 1. Successful Programme Delivery: Through the efforts of the Programme Director and the project and program team placed by CTR Partners, DAC Beachcroft achieved a successful Elite3E implementation. The finance transformation program was delivered within the specified timeframe, meeting the key deliverables while minimising disruption to daily operations.

    2. Seamless Transition: The expertise and industry-specific knowledge brought by the project and program team members ensured a seamless transition from the legacy system to Elite3E. Financial processes were streamlined, and the new system enabled improved efficiency and accuracy in financial operations.

    3. Change Management: The Programme Director, with their change management capabilities, guided DAC Beachcroft through the transition process. They provided leadership, stakeholder engagement, and ensured effective communication, resulting in a smooth adoption of the new system and minimal resistance to change.

    4. Enhanced Financial Processes: The Elite3E implementation allowed DAC Beachcroft to optimise their financial processes, enabling greater visibility, reporting capabilities, and overall operational efficiency. The firm gained the ability to make informed financial decisions and drive strategic growth.

Enabling a Seamless Divestiture and System Separation for Neos Networks

SSE Telecoms, a leading telecommunications company, was undergoing a significant divestiture process to form a new entity called Neos Networks. As part of this transformation, Neos Networks needed to separate its Workday and CRM systems from SSE's infrastructure. Recognising the complexity and importance of this undertaking, Neos Networks engaged CTR Partners, a boutique executive search, recruitment, and business transformation consultancy specialising in Digital, Technology, and Business Change. The objective was to place highly skilled project and program contractors who could support the separation activities and collaborate closely with the Transformation Director.

  • 1. System Separation: Separating the Workday and CRM systems from SSE's infrastructure required meticulous planning, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the intricacies of the telecommunications industry.

    2. Divestiture Support: Neos Networks needed a team of experienced project and program contractors who could provide the necessary support to drive the successful separation and deliver key initiatives within tight timelines.

    3. Collaboration and Alignment: Ensuring effective collaboration between the contractors and the internal teams, as well as maintaining alignment with the overall divestiture strategy, was crucial for a seamless transition.

  • 1. Comprehensive Contractor Selection: CTR Partners conducted a thorough assessment to identify contractors with the right combination of technical expertise, industry knowledge, and divestiture experience. We evaluated their track record in system separations, project management capabilities, and adaptability to work within complex telecom environments.

    2. Transformation Director Alignment: CTR Partners worked closely with the Transformation Director to understand the specific requirements and objectives of the divestiture and system separation. This alignment facilitated the identification and placement of contractors who would complement the director's leadership style and enhance the overall team dynamics.

    3. High-Quality Contractor Placements: Leveraging our extensive network and industry insights, CTR Partners placed a number of highly skilled project and program contractors who possessed the necessary expertise in system separations, data migration, and change management. These contractors were carefully selected to align with Neos Networks' culture and objectives, ensuring a seamless integration with the internal teams.

    4. Collaborative Partnership: CTR Partners fostered a collaborative partnership with Neos Networks, working closely with the Transformation Director and internal stakeholders. We facilitated ongoing communication, coordination, and alignment between the contractors and the broader project team, ensuring a cohesive and effective approach to the separation initiatives.

  • 1. Successful System Separation: Through the collaborative efforts of the project and program contractors, Neos Networks achieved a successful separation of its Workday and CRM systems from SSE's infrastructure. The systems were transitioned smoothly, minimising disruptions to daily operations and ensuring data integrity throughout the process.

    2. Timely Delivery of Initiatives: The high-quality contractors provided by CTR Partners played a crucial role in delivering key divestiture initiatives within the specified timelines. They effectively managed project milestones, mitigated risks, and ensured that all activities were aligned with the broader divestiture strategy.

    3. Enhanced Collaboration: The contractors seamlessly integrated with the internal teams, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. They worked closely with Neos Networks' employees, transferring expertise and empowering them to take ownership of the separated systems, ensuring long-term sustainability.

    4. Smooth Transition for Neos Networks: The successful system separation and divestiture support provided by the contractors enabled Neos Networks to establish itself as an independent entity smoothly. The company was well-positioned to deliver exceptional services to its customers and drive growth in the competitive telecommunications market.

    Conclusion: Through the partnership between CTR Partners and Neos Networks, a seamless divestiture and system separation process was achieved. The placement of highly skilled project and program contractors, combined with a collaborative approach and alignment with the Transformation Director, enabled Neos Networks to successfully establish itself as an independent entity. This case study exemplifies CTR Partners' ability to connect organisations with exceptional talent and deliver results in complex divestiture and system separation initiatives within the telecommunications industry.

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