Reckitt
RRB is a global FMCG business with over 37,000 employees across 60 countries
RB generates more than £10 billion in turnover. Its portfolio includes brands such as Dettol, Durex, Air Wick, Nurofen, Vanish, Harpic, Strepsils, and Clearasil, sold in over 200 markets worldwide.
The Challenge
Challenge 1
The acquisition of multiple businesses created a fragmented technology environment and governance risk. With different systems, suppliers, and operating models across the organisation, a more unified technology function capable of supporting global operations needs to be established.
Challenge 2
A major cyber incident highlighted weaknesses in security protocols, creating an urgent need for a strengthened, unified IT operating model.
The Requirement
Across three programmes, RB required sustained transformation capability across architecture, project delivery, service management, and cyber security, structured to:
- Establish a centralised Enterprise Architecture function
- Rationalise technology systems and suppliers
- Strengthen global cybersecurity
- Embed a scalable operating model
UA Managed Delivery Approach
UA delivered the capability required to design and establish RB’s global Enterprise Architecture function, consolidate suppliers and systems, and strengthen cyber security over a five-year engagement.
At a Glance
Partnership duration
5 years.
Capability Mobilised
Architecture, programme delivery, cyber security, service management.
Programme Focus
Enterprise Architecture and cyber security transformation.
Key Outcome
Unified IT operating model, supplier rationalisation, strengthened security.
Skills & Capabilities
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Leadership with expertise in Enterprise Architecture, Supply Chain, R&D, Technical Services & Vendor Management
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Project Management
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Business Analysis
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Programme Management
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Service Delivery Management
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Architecture
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Global Licensing Management
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Cyber Security
Programme Lifecycle
Enterprise Architecture Transformation Programme
- Discover - Reviewed global IT landscape to identify system duplication, supplier inefficiencies, and capability gaps.
- Mobilise - Deployed cross-functional Enterprise Architecture capability aligned with global transformation priorities.
- Deliver - Established centralised architecture standards and governance across business units.
- Optimise - Introduced new expertise and refined processes to support evolving architectural requirements.
- Transition - Embed architecture capability into RB teams and handed over governance frameworks.
Cyber Security Response Programme
- Discover - Assessed the impact of the cyber incident and identified critical vulnerabilities across systems in a time-critical manner.
- Mobilise - Deployed a 25-strong specialist cyber security team, with knowledge of the specific threat, into RB’s IT Division.
- Deliver - Remediated vulnerabilities, stabilised systems, and implemented enhanced security protocols.
- Optimise - Mitigated the damage, delivered the right solution, and offered an advisory solution on emerging threats to strengthen security policies.
- Transition - Transferred knowledge to internal teams and embedded ongoing advisory support.
Service Management & Governance
- Mobilised specialists capable of delivering effectively within RB’s high-performance, results-driven culture.
- Dedicated delivery managers per workstream
- Real-time monitoring and rapid escalation of critical initiatives.
- Monthly architecture boards and programme steering committees.
Evolution
As the programme progressed, the capability evolved to support additional transformation initiatives, including supplier consolidation and integration of newly acquired businesses.
The project was highly fluid, with issues and system weaknesses identified in real-time, enabling rapid mobilisation of specialised resources. Leveraging UA’s deep resource pools, highly technical solutions were delivered quickly and effectively, ensuring continuity and momentum across all workstreams.
Impact & Results
- Centralised Enterprise Architecture function governing 60+ countries.
- Rationalised technology suppliers and systems for improved operational efficiency.
- Cyber resilience strengthened following a major incident, stabilising global operations.
- Scalable global operating model enabling future transformation initiatives.
