Business leaders have used a variety of strategies in recent months to generate cost efficiencies and remain competitive, including splitting into separate companies and relocating headquarters outside the U.S. But one that hasn’t gotten as much play, but can be equally as lucrative, is merging with a nimble, entrepreneurially-minded company. Adding new thinkers to your wheelhouse can provide pivotal advantages for both sides, including experience and resources—financial and otherwise—for the smaller firm, and innovation, imagination and possibly a faster time to market for your organization.
Leading this pack and providing case studies to learn from is the consumer packaged goods industry. Overall growth in the sector, especially in western markets, has slowed, forcing big food, beverage and health- and housewares companies to scout for solutions. In this arena, large companies have been chasing and swallowing startups for several years already, and the trend is becoming more prominent as chief continue to look for competitive alternatives.
One of the biggest splashes in this regard was by Campbell Soup which, struggling with stagnation in its primary market of ready-to-eat soup, reached out to snap up two of the most sterling small enterprises in better-for-you foods: Bolthouse Farm and Plum Organics. CEO Denise Morrison has applied essentially the same strategy to each acquisition—allowing the companies to run autonomously and keep doing what they did best, gaining sales and even share in fast-growing markets, while also weaving relationships with the larger company in areas ranging from product development to distribution.
This is a strategy that could prove very beneficial for companies in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, technology, even automotive and engineering.
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.
