Dr Andrew MacLennan is a facilitator, educator, researcher and leading expert on strategy execution. He conducted the largest study ever undertaken in the field. MacLennan is Managing Director of Strategy Execution, which he founded in 1997.

Why is strategy important?
My area of expertise is strategy execution, so I am constantly seeing ‘strategy rubber hit the road’. It’s clear to me that well thought through strategy has enormous value for organisations. Not only does it improve their chances of being well positioned in the long-term, it also ensures much better aligned operational activities in the shorter term.  It is easy for teams operating in a ‘strategic vacuum’ to waste huge amounts of time and effort speculating about what they need to achieve and inventing inadequate surrogates for good strategy.

What role does the SPS have to play?
I’m hugely enthused by the SPS’s new lease of life. It is important to have a body that can draw together a community of people with a professional interest in strategy, so that we can develop our knowledge base and strategy as a professional domain.

Why did you choose to upgrade from regular member?
I think it’s important that those who are passionate about strategy encourage wider recognition of its value – the introduction of Fellowships is a useful step in this direction.

What are your thoughts on the SPS professionalising strategy agenda?
I’m delighted that the SPS is pushing forward with its agenda to professionalise strategy. It’s a complex and difficult area in which to work, but it is vital to ensure the health of organisations. We need a structured path for people to keep learning about strategy and practice it in a professional fashion. I hope there will be wide and enthusiastic support for the agenda and energetic input from all quarters to make sure things progress effectively and with a practical focus.