Driving Global Optimization in Healthcare Technology
A global healthcare technology leader operating in over 100 countries with nearly $5 billion in annual sales set out on a multi-year journey to transform its operations. The initiative, known internally as the Group Optimization effort, was bold in scope and ambition. The company identified five strategic imperatives: winning in established markets, innovating for value, supplementing growth through acquisition, accelerating in emerging markets, and simplifying the operating model.
Underneath these pillars were a series of interlocking initiatives aimed at optimizing every facet of the business. Programs ranged from streamlining HR systems and centralizing transactional services to restructuring leadership roles under a Single Managing Director model, enhancing New Product Development, and redefining IT, Legal, Finance, and Procurement functions. The intent was clear: reduce complexity, increase speed, and position the company for sustainable growth across a highly diverse and dispersed global footprint.
But the challenges were significant. The organization was used to local autonomy, with key business support functions such as HR, finance, legal, and IT operating independently across regions. Geographic dispersion and a long list of simultaneous changes added pressure to an already complex environment.
LaMarsh Global was brought in to help navigate this transformation and implement a structured approach to change. Working closely with the CEO, we helped designate an Executive Leadership Team to guide the effort. One leader was named Strategic Program Sponsor, responsible for the program’s success and the overall change management strategy. Each team member was assigned ownership of specific change initiatives under the broader transformation umbrella.
Together, we co-developed a detailed Desired State description for the program and each strategic initiative, establishing measurable targets. We then built out dedicated workstreams—each supported by a program manager and a trained change management lead—and provided change management training across the organization. Our Managed Change™ methodology became the foundation for all planning, engagement, and execution activities.
The results were impressive. Over several years, the company delivered 93% of its KPI targets tied to the five strategic imperatives. Along the way, it established a Change Management Center of Excellence, embedding the Managed Change™ approach into its operations to ensure future transformation efforts were grounded in the same proven principles.
As the CEO shared:
“You wouldn’t go to a general surgeon and expect a good outcome if you are having open heart surgery. Why treat this any differently? We chose the right partner in LaMarsh Global.”
👉 Facing a complex transformation? Join our next Managed Change™ Workshop or connect with us to explore how we can help your team deliver results with clarity and confidence.
