The latest such move was made by Hewlett-Packard CEO Meg Whitman, who decided to split the venerable but troubled IT giant into two companies, one consisting of its slow personal-computer and printer businesses, and the other selling faster-growing computer services, data-storage gear, software, consulting operations and other services for corporate-technology departments.
It was a major move, but such gambits have become increasingly popular as hedge funds and other investors now are pressing companies to part ways with slower-growing operations and focusing their efforts on the most promising ones as shareholders seek to take advantage of bullish markets and inoculate themselves on the down side. Corporations around the world have spun off $1.6 trillion worth of subsidiaries and business lines so far this year, just behind the record-setting pace of 2007, according to Dealogic.
“Big had long been a synonym for better in corporate America—for CEOs expanding their companies and for investors looking for insulation from sudden changes in markets,” said The Wall Street Journal. “But these days, the sun isn’t shining on empire builders.”
Added The New York Times, “Today, stock market investors are betting on companies with tightly focused visions. Too many divisions are seen as a distraction for management. And activist investors are eager to take small stakes in big companies and call for breakups, betting that profit will follow.”
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.
