Critical technology separation for Reckitt's Essential Home divestment

At SmartCo, we understand the complexities of large-scale technology transformations. Our expertise lies in managing intricate projects with efficiency, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruption. Recently we supported Reckitt with their large-scale, complex divestment, leading the IT and technology separation across 70 brands over 100+ countries. With an immovable tight turnaround deadline.

SmartCo’s Approach

The project was ambitious. Completing a technology separation in just 4.5 months, a process that would typically take 12-18 months. Rising to the challenge, we brought together a team of specialist project managers and established a robust Programme Management Office (PMO) to lead four mission-critical workstreams: Applications, Data, Platforms, Contracts and Sourcing.

Our approach combined strategic advisory services with hands-on delivery, leveraging innovative governance models, agile frameworks and AI-driven tools to accelerate progress and ensure precision.

Key Outcomes

Accelerated delivery: Completed the IT and technology separation in record time, enabling Reckitt to meet its divestment deadline.
Application optimisation: Streamlined over 225 applications without disruption.
Data stabilisation: Migrated petabytes of data while ensuring seamless transitions and operational continuity by analysing 600 systems and prioritising 200 critical ones. Completing the workstream in just 10 weeks, six weeks faster than planned.
Vendor management: Reconciled contracts for over 1,300 IT vendors, ensuring compliance and readiness
for Day 1.
Platform separation: Successfully reviewed over 200 platform apps and re-engineered IT processes to enforce data and access segregation for Day 1.

The Impact

SmartCo’s work set a new benchmark for technology separation in the CPG sector. By enabling Reckitt and Essential Home to operate independently, we safeguarded uninterrupted operations for iconic household brands while positioning Reckitt for future growth.

This achievement not only demonstrated SmartCo’s ability to deliver under immense pressure but also reinforced our reputation as a leader in IT and Technology separation. Our success with Reckitt highlights the value of a trusted partner who can turn deliver quality results with speed.

Testimonials

“SmartCo played a pivotal role in the success of this divestment, delivering one of the most complex technology separations we’ve ever undertaken. Their ability to ensure uninterrupted operations for both businesses was nothing short of exceptional. Thanks to their expertise and commitment we achieved a seamless transition, positioning both Reckitt and Essential Home for future growth.”

Chris Rennison, Programme Director at Reckitt