The success of activism campaigns has more than doubled over the last decade, to more than 70%, according to a recent survey by law firm Schulte Roth & Zabel and the data provider Mergermarket. Virtually all the senior corporate executives surveyed said they believed that activism will rise over the next 12 months, and more than half predicted a “substantial” increase.
These shareholder-agitators also are proving “more willing to broaden their suggestions beyond financial-engineering moves like spin-offs or special dividends,” The New York Times reported.
The newspaper reports that nearly half of respondents to the survey said calls for improved efficiency and resolving operational issues would underpin activist campaigns in the next year. The biggest drivers of campaigns, will remain companies’ stock performance, changes to boards or management teams, and announced acquisitions.
All of this means that the back seat is getting more crowded for CEOs as they pilot their companies. Chiefs should keep their eyes and ears peeled for signs of dissent coming from outside the boardroom or C-suite, and always be prepared to back up their strategy and direction.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
