THE AVERAGE HEADLINE reader might conclude that the idea of separating the chairman and CEO roles is gaining momentum. In December, both the New York Stock Exchange and The Clorox Co. announced they were going with the new governance flow. The NYSE, as part of its sweeping reform, appointed former Goldman Sachs President John Thain-“the anti-Grasso”-as its new CEO and announced the search was on for a non-executive chairman to replace interim head John Reed. Clorox tapped Robert Matschullat to head its board, while Gerald Johnston retains the CEO title.
Are these signs that the British model is taking hold in the States? Not bloody likely, many experts say. “Most of the CEOs I’m in contact with don’t see this as a priority,” says Elizabeth Saunders, chairman of Chicago-based Ashton Partners, a consulting firm that helps such clients as Clorox, R.R. Donnelly and Kraft Foods with investor relations and corporate communications issues. Though troubled companies may be forced to add such independence to appease criticism and shareholder fury, she says, most healthy companies aren’t seriously considering it.
The real priority for most CEOs today, she says, is quality and diversity of board members. “I know several companies that have been contacted by people asking, €˜Why don’t you have any minority directors and women on your board?’ They’re hearing that a lot more.”
Add to that the task of finding a separate, executive chairman who is also going to be serving in an operating capacity-and willing to take on the liability of such a significant role-and you’ve got one tough challenge. At the moment, only 15 of the top 500 companies have split chairman-CEO roles. “We’ll see what happens in ’04,” says Saunders, “but I will be shocked to see that number much higher than it is today.”
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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.
