Integration
·  EPISODE
259
Integration Strategies in M&A Part 2
Change management is one of the most crucial aspects of M&A. While integration involves multiple facets, from supply chains to customers, change management is solely focused on the employees. This can make or break a deal, as employee retention is one of the main ingredients to achieving synergies in a timely manner. In this interview, Chris Evans, ex-Head of CorpDev Integration at Amazon, and Scott Boyd, former Head of Integration for AWS, discuss integration strategies, particularly the nuisances of change management.

Chris Evans, Experienced M&A Leader | ex-Head of CorpDev Integration at Amazon and Scott Boyd, Deputy Director, Strategy Implementation at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | former Head of Integration for AWS (NASDAQ: AMZN)

Change management is one of the most crucial aspects of M&A. While integration involves multiple facets, from supply chains to customers, change management is solely focused on the employees. This can make or break a deal, as employee retention is one of the main ingredients to achieving synergies in a timely manner. 

In this episode of the M&A Science Podcast, Chris Evans, ex-Head of CorpDev Integration at Amazon, and Scott Boyd, former Head of Integration for AWS, discuss M&A integration strategies, particularly the nuisances of change management. 

Things you will learn:

  • Dedicated change management person
  • Common challenges in change management
  • Tips for change management
  • Change management planning
  • Integration strategy vs Change management

Chris Evans

Chris Evans is an M&A Integration Advisor and CFO with over 20 years of global experience in corporate development, integration, and finance. A former 17-year veteran of Amazon, Chris led teams that closed over 100 transactions and has extensive expertise in capital raising, due diligence, integration planning, and performance monitoring for acquisitions. His career also includes raising billions of dollars for technology companies at Deutsche Bank. Chris now advises senior leadership on designing and executing strategic integration processes to ensure successful acquisitions and manage complex change initiatives.

Scott Boyd

Scott Boyd is a seasoned M&A professional with extensive experience in strategic planning and decision-making for both the private sector and non-profits. Currently, he serves as the Deputy Director of Strategy, Planning, and Management at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's China Country Office. Before this, Scott spent nearly a decade at Amazon, where he held several senior roles, including Corporate Development Integration Director and Head of Integration for AWS. His expertise includes due diligence, integration planning, and developing M&A playbooks, making him a trusted advisor in the field.

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