MBS Intelligence

Consumer Products

Winnie Awa wants to change the lives of one billion people. Specifically, she wants to give one billion people their best hair ever. And by developing AI tools and applying them in the textured haircare market, she is well on her way. Winnie is the...

The power and purpose of the Senior Independent Director

Board

In the early 2000s, the UK saw two high-profile business failures. In 2001, the industrial giant Marconi broke records by generating an overall loss of £5bn, following a misguided strategy of acquisitions. Around the same time, insurance firm Equitable...

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People, leadership & talent

Inclusive innovation in haircare: in conversation with Winnie Awa,…

Winnie Awa wants to change the lives of one billion people. Specifically, she wants to give one billion people their best hair ever. And by developing AI tools and applying them in the textured haircare market, she is well on her way. Winnie is the...

Trends, strategy & emerging markets

Ben Black stands against a purple background in a grey jacket.

Good investment: in conversation with Ben Black, Co-Head of…

To most people, the chocolate and toilet paper categories have little in common. But to Ben Black, and to the team at Verlinvest, the areas are in fact closely linked – not by their product offering, but by the opportunities they represent to...

Concepts, marketing & creative direction

Do sports clubs need creative directors?

Two weeks ago, Kenny Annan-Jonathan was appointed as Creative Director at Crystal Palace, marking the first time a Premier League team has hired a creative lead. Brought in to “oversee apparel collections and fashion partnerships,” Kenny’s...

Tech & innovation

Inclusive innovation in haircare: in conversation with Winnie Awa,…

Winnie Awa wants to change the lives of one billion people. Specifically, she wants to give one billion people their best hair ever. And by developing AI tools and applying them in the textured haircare market, she is well on her way. Winnie is the...

Diversity & inclusion

Women in football: the next challenge is roles off…

The past two years have proved transformational for women’s football in Europe. In 2022, the England women’s team – the Lionesses – won the European Championship in a final which broke television viewing figures. And this summer, the women’s...

ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance)

Ben Black stands against a purple background in a grey jacket.

Good investment: in conversation with Ben Black, Co-Head of…

To most people, the chocolate and toilet paper categories have little in common. But to Ben Black, and to the team at Verlinvest, the areas are in fact closely linked – not by their product offering, but by the opportunities they represent to...

Events & Thought Leadership

Thought Leadership

The power and purpose of the Senior Independent Director

In the early 2000s, the UK saw two high-profile business failures. In 2001, the industrial giant Marconi broke records by generating an overall loss of £5bn, following a misguided strategy of acquisitions. Around the same time, insurance firm Equitable...

 

The Power and Purpose of the Senior Independent Director

The MBS Group is delighted to present our latest white paper: The Power and Purpose of the Senior Independent Director. Over the past few months, it’s been a privilege to sit down with Senior Independent Directors to discuss what makes a good SID, and...

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MBS News

Retail

6 December 2023 - 8:37

John Lewis launches first-ever pre-loved luxury fashion pop-up The department store has teamed up with Sign of the Times to sell second-hand luxury fashion items. The space will offer designer pieces including outerwear, bags and accessories. Read more on Retail Week

6 December 2023 - 8:20

Sainsbury’s relocates London HQ After nearly two decades of being located in Holborn, the grocer is moving its headquarters to Farringdon. Sainsbury's CEO Simon Roberts has said that the move represents an "exciting opportunity to create a modern and sustainable workspace." Read more on Retail Week

Consumer Goods & Services

6 December 2023 - 8:48

P&G to write-down value of Gilette brand The consumer goods giant has said that it will record up to $2.5bn in charges over two fiscal years as it writes down the value of its Gillette business. Gillette currently represents around 8% of total sales at P&G. Read more on Reuters

6 December 2023 - 7:56

British American Tobacco makes £25bn writedown BAT is making a £25bn writedown on the value of some of its US cigarette portfolio. The move is part of the company's long-term transformation, with a greater focus on heated products and tobacco alternatives. Read more on The Times

Fashion, Lifestyle & Luxury

6 December 2023 - 8:45

Farfetch considers Browns sale The luxury ecommerce platform is reportedly mulling the sale of Browns. Farfetch acquired the British fashion and luxury goods boutique in 2015. Read more on Drapers

6 December 2023 - 8:06

Third-quarter sales dip at Rent the Runway The fashion rental platform has announced a 6.3% downturn in third-quarter revenue to $72.5m. The company has said that achieving a strong mix of products on the platform will be key to unlocking future growth. Read more on Fashion Network

Digital

6 December 2023 - 8:30

Twitch to shut down in South Korea Amazon's games streaming unit has announced plans to wind down operations in South Korea, citing high operating costs and network fees. Network fees in Korea are 10 times more expensive than in most other countries. Read more on Reuters

6 December 2023 - 8:24

Elon Musk seeks $1bn for next AI venture The man behind Tesla, SpaceX and X is looking to raise $1bn for his AI company xAI. So far, the business is developing Grok, an AI-powered chatbot. Read more on TechCrunch

Private Equity

6 December 2023 - 8:00

US private equity firm Trive Capital buys Ten Entertainment The London-listed owner of Tenpin bowling alleys has agreed to a £287m takeover by Trive Capital. Ten Entertainment operates 52 sites in the UK. Read more on The Times

5 December 2023 - 8:46

Kester Capital eyes Jolleyes sale The private equity owner of the pet food and products retailer Jolleyes is considering a potential sale. According to reports, Kester Capital could bring in as much as £100m through a sale. Read more on Private Equity Wire

Travel, Leisure & Hospitality

6 December 2023 - 8:50

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines to merge in $1.9bn deal Hawaiian Airlines has reached a deal to acquire Alaska Airlines. Combined, the two businesses serve more than 50 million customers every year. Read more on Travel Daily Media

6 December 2023 - 7:58

Tui reports jump in full-year profits to nearly €1bn Europe’s biggest travel operator has reported a €568m jump in full-year underlying profits to €977m, driven by strong cruises, holidays and hotel sales. Tui has also become the latest business to consider de-listing from the London Stock Exchange. Read more on The Times

Arts Agenda & Recommended Reading