Rolls-Royce H1 Profits Jump 50% on Strategic Overhaul and Operational Agility

Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç emphasized the importance of organizational agility and proactive decision-making amid unpredictable macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds. Speaking to Diane Brady for Fortune, Erginbilgiç outlined the transformative changes he has led since taking the helm in early 2023, which have contributed to a 50% rise in half-year profits, reaching £1.7 billion (approximately $2.3 billion). This financial performance has driven Rolls-Royce’s stock price to more than double in 2025 [1].

Erginbilgiç highlighted his strategic focus on four key pillars: aligning the company with reality, driving efficiency, setting clear targets, and fostering a culture of “normalizing intensity” to deliver results. He underscored that transformation is not simply about restructuring, but involves a more holistic and ambitious approach. “Underperforming companies stop talking about performing,” he noted, explaining that open communication and a clear vision are critical to rallying employees [1].

To maintain agility in a volatile global environment, Erginbilgiç has established a large task force reporting to him biweekly, ensuring that the company remains nimble and responsive to external challenges. He acknowledged that while factors like tariffs and geopolitical shifts are beyond corporate control, how a company chooses to respond to them is within its grasp. “You can’t always influence the macro stuff but you influence how you deal with it,” he said [1].

With a workforce of 50,000 employees, Erginbilgiç emphasized the need to focus on clear communication rather than abstract metrics like AI developments or budget figures. “Nobody gets excited about budgets,” he stated. Instead, he advises leaders to communicate what success looks like in tangible terms, ensuring employees understand the company’s direction and role in achieving it [1].

The CEO’s comments come as Rolls-Royce continues to benefit from strong performance in the aerospace sector, with its stock price reflecting investor confidence in the company’s strategic shift. The broader market environment also appears buoyant, with global indices showing mixed but generally positive movements in early trading [1].

Source: [1] [Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç: ‘You can’t always influence the macro stuff but you influence how you deal with it’](https://fortune.com/2025/08/11/rolls-royce-ceo-tufan-erginbilgic-you-cant-always-influence-the-macro-stuff-but-you-influence-how-you-deal-with-it/)