Kate Middleton and Prince William make major change as huge new appointment made to team

Prince William and Kate Middleton have made a significant strategic appointment to their team, naming former Tesco CEO Sir David Lewis as the new director of The Royal Foundation. This foundation, integral to the couple’s philanthropic efforts, particularly focuses on early childhood education through Kate’s initiatives and environmental issues via William’s Earthshot Prize.

Sir David, renowned for his transformative leadership at Tesco, where he turned the company’s fortunes around from a £6.4 billion loss to profitability, brings substantial experience in management and strategy. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to bolster the foundation’s impact and reach. A royal source described this as a “genius” decision, aimed at laying “strong foundations” for future philanthropic endeavors.

The Royal Foundation, which is overseen by a board of trustees, meets quarterly to discuss strategic planning, governance, oversight, and fundraising. The trustees work closely with William and Kate, ensuring the foundation’s activities align with its goals. Previously, the board was led by Lord Hague, a former Tory leader, who brought political and strategic acumen to the role.

In addition to Sir David, the foundation is set to attract trustees from diverse backgrounds, including Dame Pippa Harris, a film producer; Sir Ron Kalifa, an entrepreneur and former Worldpay CEO; Claire Wills, a lawyer; Alice Webb, a former BBC executive; and Lady Pinsent, CEO of Charlotte Tilbury’s makeup brand. This eclectic mix is expected to bring varied perspectives and expertise to the foundation’s operations.

Sir David’s appointment comes at a crucial time as Kate has been managing her early years project from home while undergoing ongoing cancer treatment. Despite these challenges, Kate remains actively involved and receives regular updates on the foundation’s progress. This hands-on approach ensures that the foundation’s initiatives continue to move forward smoothly.

Sir David’s career highlights his capability to manage and rejuvenate large organizations. Nicknamed “Drastic Dave” for his aggressive cost-cutting measures at Tesco, he is credited with eliminating non-essential segments of the company, cutting thousands of jobs, and discontinuing executive perks. These decisions led to a significant turnaround, with Tesco reporting annual profits and a resurgence in market performance.

His expertise was further recognized during the COVID-19 pandemic when the government enlisted his help to resolve the food and supply chain crisis. After leaving Tesco in 2020, Sir David focused on spending quality time with his family and exploring roles in renewable energy and various other companies, including Morrisons, PepsiCo, and Haleon.

William and Kate’s decision not to appoint a new CEO for their royal household this year signals their intent to focus on Kate’s recovery and their ongoing projects. Their involvement in the foundation’s activities highlights their commitment to their causes and their desire to create a lasting impact through well-structured and strategically guided initiatives.

The Royal Foundation’s work spans several critical areas, including conservation, mental health, and emergency services, alongside its flagship programs led by William and Kate. By bringing in Sir David, the foundation aims to strengthen its strategic direction and operational efficiency, ensuring that it can effectively address these pressing issues.