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CIO &  Transformation

Delivering Strategic M&A Integration and Value Creation

Richard Keenlyside is an accomplished Merger and Acquisition Expert with over 34 years of experience delivering high-impact transformation and integration programmes. As an interim/fractional CIO and Transformation Director, Richard has been pivotal in managing complex M&A initiatives for private equity firms and global enterprises across sectors such as retail, manufacturing, financial services, logistics, utilities, and professional services.

Richard has led and supported over fifteen global mergers and acquisitions, ensuring seamless IT and business integration, maximising value creation, and aligning technology with strategic business objectives. His expertise spans every stage of the M&A lifecycle—from due diligence to post-merger integration, carve-outs, and divestitures.

M&A Due Diligence and Advisory Services

As a trusted advisor to private equity firms and investment boards, Richard provides rigorous technology and business due diligence services. His insights help stakeholders understand IT capabilities, assess risks, and identify value creation opportunities.

His strategic assessments encompass:

  • IT infrastructure and application landscape

  • Data governance, quality, and migration plans

  • ERP/WMS systems (SAP S/4HANA, Oracle, NetSuite, D365)

  • Cybersecurity and compliance standards

  • Operational efficiency and scalability

Post-Merger Integration and IT Transformation

  • Richard excels at orchestrating post-merger integration (PMI) strategies that unify people, processes, systems, and cultures. He brings extensive experience in IT service consolidation, operating model redesign, and digital transformation across global entities.

  • Highlights include:

  • Integrating IT operations for multinational manufacturers across 13 countries, aligning ITSM, governance, and cybersecurity.

  • Leading carve-out and transition programmes for divested entities, enabling rapid independence and operational continuity.

  • Delivering centralised data lakes and analytics platforms post-merger, accelerating decision-making.

Strategic Carve-Outs and Divestitures

  • Richard has successfully delivered technology carve-outs for complex global businesses. He understands how to separate core systems, reconfigure infrastructure, and create independent, scalable IT environments.

  • His work includes:

  • Supporting a global automotive supplier in divesting its EV charging division, evaluating ERP transition routes and investment options.

  • Re-architecting business units into standalone P&Ls through system decoupling and application separation strategies.

Private Equity-Focused Transformation

  • A key strength is Richard's alignment with private equity expectations. As an associate advisor for a leading PE advisory firm, he has delivered:

  • M&A readiness assessments

  • IT and data strategies aligned to investment horizons

  • Vendor negotiations delivering over £20M in savings

  • RPA and AI integration to enhance EBITDA and reduce operational costs

Real-World M&A Case Studies

Manufacturing Sector (Global CIO Role)

  • Oversaw IT integration for 13 global entities, migrating 150 legacy servers to Azure and reducing technical debt by £2M. Standardised cybersecurity and compliance across business units and delivered a unified operating model.

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Retail & E-Commerce (Transformation Director)

  • Led carve-out and separation of UK, International, and shared services divisions for a national retailer. Achieved £40M in cost reductions and transformed supply chain, IT, and finance operations, supporting successful acquisition.

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Technology Start-Up Advisory

  • Provided strategic advisory to an AI-driven recruitment platform, supporting its MVP evolution, data strategy, and £0.5M seed investment raise through SEIS/EIS.

Why Choose Richard Keenlyside as Your M&A Expert

  • Richard offers a unique combination of CIO-level leadership, commercial acumen, and deep technical expertise. His ability to navigate complex transactions, align stakeholders, and deliver post-deal value sets him apart.

  • Key benefits:

  • Over three decades of experience across all business domains

  • Proven track record in delivering ROI-focused M&A strategies

  • Deep understanding of data, digital, and cybersecurity landscapes

  • Effective communicator with executive boards and private equity partners

Optimising M&A Success Through IT and Strategy

Richard Keenlyside’s approach to mergers and acquisitions is data-driven, risk-aware, and results-oriented. From initial due diligence through to full operational integration or separation, he partners with organisations to drive strategic clarity and tangible outcomes.

For interim leadership, advisory support, or full programme execution across mergers and acquisitions, contact Richard Keenlyside today.

Senior Merger and Acquisition Expert

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