create a transition plan deck using this information: The strongest model is: Merlot enters a new leadership phase: Nando becomes the single GM/accountability owner, while Audi transitions from GM into a Strategy Director role and remains a high-authority strategic counterpart. The distinction is important because Audi can continue contributing heavily without creating dual leadership. MERLOT GM TRANSITION PLAN Audi → Nando | September–December 2026 1. The transition architecture There should be three different tracks running in parallel, rather than trying to transfer everything at once. Track Audi Nando Timing Business / GM Gradually exits Takes ownership Immediate → Nov Samsung Remains primary relationship owner through pitch Shadow → progressively becomes GM/client lead Now → Nov Strategy Transitions into Strategy Director GM + strategic counterpart Nov onward Non-Samsung clients Relationship handover; retains strategy 100% relationship/business owner Immediate P&L / commercial Handover 100% owner Immediate People / organization Handover 100% owner Immediate Operations / escalation Handover 100% owner Immediate Pitch leadership Strategy Business/client/commercial Immediate This prevents the biggest risk you've identified: You shouldn't inherit Audi's entire workload. You should inherit Audi's accountability. Audi's workload subsequently gets reallocated into his new Strategy Director mandate. 2. Target operating model from November The cleanest structure is: Nando — GM, Merlot Accountable for: P&L Revenue and margin Business growth Client portfolio Client relationship ownership Commercial negotiation New business People and organization Performance management Resource allocation Operations Client escalation Senior management reporting Cross-BU coordination Overall quality and business outcome Audi — Strategy Director Accountable for: Strategic quality Strategic thinking Strategic capability development Strategic frameworks Strategic review Strategic direction for key accounts Pitch strategy Strategic mentoring Thought leadership Critical boundary Audi can still: Talk to clients Lead strategic discussions Attend Samsung meetings Lead strategy in pitches Review work Direct teams But these activities happen within the Strategy Director mandate and are aligned with Nando as GM. The principle should be: Audi has strategic authority. Nando has business authority. And internally: One GM, one accountability line. 3. Transition timeline I would use five phases. PHASE 0 — Preparation Sep 28 – Oct 4 PHASE 1 — Samsung pitch protection + business transfer Oct 5 – Oct 18 PHASE 2 — Leadership transition Oct 19 – Oct 31 PHASE 3 — Formal GM takeover Nov 1 – Nov 30 PHASE 4 — Stabilization Dec 1 – Dec 31 The important point is that November should not be the beginning of your transition. By November, the organization should already be behaving as if you're the incoming GM. PHASE 0 — PREPARE THE TRANSITION Sep 28 – Oct 4 The objective is: Get the information
create a transition plan deck using this information: The strongest model is: Merlot enters a new leadership phase: Nando becomes the single GM/accountability owner, while Audi transitions from GM into a Strategy Director role and remains a high-authority strategic counterpart. The distinction is important because Audi can continue contributing heavily without creating dual leadership. MERLOT GM TRANSITION PLAN Audi → Nando | September–December 2026 1. The transition architecture There should be three different tracks running in parallel, rather than trying to transfer everything at once. Track Audi Nando Timing Business / GM Gradually exits Takes ownership Immediate → Nov Samsung Remains primary relationship owner through pitch Shadow → progressively becomes GM/client lead Now → Nov Strategy Transitions into Strategy Director GM + strategic counterpart Nov onward Non-Samsung clients Relationship handover; retains strategy 100% relationship/business owner Immediate P&L / commercial Handover 100% owner Immediate People / organization Handover 100% owner Immediate Operations / escalation Handover 100% owner Immediate Pitch leadership Strategy Business/client/commercial Immediate This prevents the biggest risk you've identified: You shouldn't inherit Audi's entire workload. You should inherit Audi's accountability. Audi's workload subsequently gets reallocated into his new Strategy Director mandate. 2. Target operating model from November The cleanest structure is: Nando — GM, Merlot Accountable for: P&L Revenue and margin Business growth Client portfolio Client relationship ownership Commercial negotiation New business People and organization Performance management Resource allocation Operations Client escalation Senior management reporting Cross-BU coordination Overall quality and business outcome Audi — Strategy Director Accountable for: Strategic quality Strategic thinking Strategic capability development Strategic frameworks Strategic review Strategic direction for key accounts Pitch strategy Strategic mentoring Thought leadership Critical boundary Audi can still: Talk to clients Lead strategic discussions Attend Samsung meetings Lead strategy in pitches Review work Direct teams But these activities happen within the Strategy Director mandate and are aligned with Nando as GM. The principle should be: Audi has strategic authority. Nando has business authority. And internally: One GM, one accountability line. 3. Transition timeline I would use five phases. PHASE 0 — Preparation Sep 28 – Oct 4 PHASE 1 — Samsung pitch protection + business transfer Oct 5 – Oct 18 PHASE 2 — Leadership transition Oct 19 – Oct 31 PHASE 3 — Formal GM takeover Nov 1 – Nov 30 PHASE 4 — Stabilization Dec 1 – Dec 31 The important point is that November should not be the beginning of your transition. By November, the organization should already be behaving as if you're the incoming GM. PHASE 0 — PREPARE THE TRANSITION Sep 28 – Oct 4 The objective is: Get the information
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This plan outlines a structured transition architecture led by Nando, who assumes full business accountability from the outset. Audi will focus on strategic leadership, ensuring clarity through three parallel tracks to avoid confusion. The target operating model delineates responsibilities, with Nando managing P&L and operations, while Audi oversees strategy and quality. The five-phase transition from September to December 2026 includes preparing data and roles, transferring leadership, and...