YouTube · 2025
Operations, turnaround and the gap between plan and delivery
A conversation on what actually moves performance inside an operation, and why most plans stall at delivery.
About
Henriette
I started my career as an engineer, and that foundation has shaped everything about how I approach operational challenges. I don't just look at the numbers or the org chart. I look at how things actually work, where the friction sits, and what needs to change to make progress sustainable.
Over 16 years I've led operations from front line to C-Suite, across the UK, US and Europe, in PE-backed and public businesses and heavily regulated environments. I've held P&L accountability across businesses up to £70M and 250 employees, led acquisition integrations, rebuilt underperforming operations and guided teams through some genuinely difficult transitions.
What I've learned through all of it is that the gap between a good strategy and real results is almost always an operational one that requires teams to get on board with the strategy. That's the gap Kernva exists to close.
I founded Kernva because I wanted to bring the kind of experienced, hands-on leadership that makes a real difference to organisations, whether that is helping with due diligence during an acquisition, supporting integrations post-acquisition, delivering transformation or turnaround projects as a fractional leader or as a consulting partner working alongside your team to deliver sustainable operational change.
16 years leading operations from front line to C-suite. P&L accountability across businesses up to £70m and 250 employees. PE-backed and public companies, UK, US and Europe, in heavily regulated environments.
What people say
From the people who have worked with her
I had the pleasure of working closely with Henriette and can say without hesitation that she is a phenomenal operational leader. What truly sets Henriette apart is her ability to step into complex, fast-moving environments and immediately bring clarity, structure, and strategic direction.
She thrives where business transformation is needed most. Whether navigating the complexities of an acquisition, steering a business through a critical turnaround, or scaling operations to support rapid growth, Henriette remains completely focused on delivery. She has a rare combination of commercial acumen and operational grit, ensuring that high-level strategy is successfully translated into everyday execution.
Beyond her impressive ability to optimise processes and drive efficiency, Henriette is an exceptional people leader. She builds cohesive, motivated teams and guides them through change with confidence and empathy. For any business looking for a Chief Operating Officer to navigate growth, integration, or transformation, Henriette is the executive you want at the helm.
David English
Marketing & Commercial Director | Accelerating Value Creation & GTM Strategy for Mid-Market & PE Portfolio Companies
Henriette was senior to David but didn't manage David directly
LinkedIn recommendation · June 2026
Recent conversations
Podcast appearances
Spotify · 2025
Leading operations through change
On front line to C-suite experience, regulated environments and integrating acquired businesses.
Worth a conversation?
Thirty minutes, no charge, no pitch. If Kernva is not the right answer, we will let you know and also point you somewhere more useful if we can.