How a Jedi approach can strategically optimize costs 

The uncertain regulatory landscape in 2025, marked by significant elections and policy changes, is squeezing margins on all sides. This pressure comes from the rising cost of raw materials and supply chain delivery, as well as the need to appeal to cash-strapped consumers. While technological advancements and potential mega-deals offer opportunities, they necessitate investment.

This shifting environment demands business transformation, requiring adjustments to operating models to free up cash for resilience and growth.

The teams at EY have insights on how organizations, particularly in the consumer and health sectors, are navigating these challenges. This knowledge has been used to develop a proven cost transformation process, structured in a three-step model that diagnoses, designs and delivers effective change.

In this session:

• Gain practical insights from professionals on effective strategies and critical mistakes to avoid during the cost transformation journey, highlighting the need for determination and strategic vision.
• Explore how a well-executed cost transformation strategy can improve margins and pave the way for long-term, profitable expansion.

Panelists:

• Jens O. Weng, EY-Parthenon EMEIA Head of Consumer Goods and Retail
• Andreas Warner, EY Europe-West Turnaround & Restructuring Leader
• Trevellyan G. Collier, Partner, Consulting, Ernst & Young LLP
• Tom Hancock, Partner, EY-Parthenon, Ernst & Young LLP
• Jon Morris, Partner, Private Equity Value Creation, Cash, Working Capital and Business Resilience – EY-Parthenon, Ernst & Young LLP