First coffee, now children’s toys. Could all CEOs one day come from the tech sector?
Perhaps not entirely, but a trend appears to be emerging.
Mattel on Tuesday said it had appointed Google executive Margaret Georgiadis as its new CEO, betting she’ll be able to help the maker of Barbie dolls and Matchbox cars stay relevant in an increasingly digitized world.
Her appointment comes just a month after coffee chain Starbucks replaced longtime leader Howard Schultz with Kevin Johnson, a tech-industry veteran who once held senior roles at Microsoft and Juniper Networks.
Yes, little girls are still keen on Barbie. But children are also becoming increasingly tech savvy, prompting Mattel this year to release the Barbie Dreamhouse, an Internet-connected doll house that allows kids to use their voice to activate functions, including the lights and an elevator.
Mattel in 2015 teamed up with Google to create a new virtual reality headset. The California company also sells smartphone devices and plans to release a 3D printer next year called ThingMaker that will literally allow kids to make their own toys.
Georgiadis, the head of Google’s Americas division since 2011, will succeed Christopher Sinclair, who will become executive chairman when she takes over as CEO on February 8. The company shrugged off some analysts’ concerns that she lacks toy-sector experience.
“Margo is a proven and extraordinarily talented executive with a deep understanding of how to build and scale brands on a global basis and expertise in effectively engaging consumers and retail partners in a rapidly evolving digital world,” Sinclair said.
He also hailed her efforts to deliver above-market growth at Google by creating partnership across content, media and technology providers, and through innovation in product development and customer engagement.
CEOs across all sectors are increasingly having to grapple with the rise of artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics and the so-called sharing economy. Some companies have moved to address these challenges by placing tech-industry executives on their boards.
Retailer Walmart and oil giant Exxon, for example, have appointed Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom and former IBM CEO Sam Palmisano as directors, respectively.
Georgiadis herself already sits on the boards of McDonald’s and bioscience company Amyris.
But top tech leaders may need not always come from outside. A recent survey by recruitment firm Robert Half of CFOs found that while 87% had eyes for the CEO’s job, they considered some of their biggest competition to come from CIOs and other senior technology officers. Juniper Networks’ Shaygan Kheradpir is among CIOs who have successfully made the transition to the corner office.
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.
