Posted by Sarah Barnes on Wed, Aug 18, 2010 @ 09:08 AM
Boston, MA, August 2010 – What do C-level tech-sector execs and members of the Private Equity community think about who ought to succeed Mark Hurd at HP?
Cook Associates Executive Search asked over 1000 top executives about their thoughts on who should be the next leader of the world’s largest technology and services company. Some of the findings were predictable, while others were surprising.
One key finding was that of the 20 largest public companies based on market capitalization, only six were represented on the list. When asked why this was significant, Seth Harris, EVP and Managing Director of the Technology Practice at Cook Associates said “I am left wondering what lessons the tech sector learned from the notable success of Lou Gerstner, who had no previous tech industry experience. He was one of the most successful CEOs of his time.”
The most frequently cited companies outside of HP from which the next CEO should come were Apple, Boeing, Dell, EMC, IBM, Motorola, and Oracle. In particular, nearly 43% of respondents felt the most qualified person to lead HP would be internal (from HP) or from IBM. Jeff Leopold, Managing Director at Cook Associates commented “The wisdom of the crowd suggests that HP’s current strategy is sound and that an internal executive would be the most able to keep the company on its path. IBM’s significant presence on the list was to be expected.” Harris added, “There are few companies in the tech sector other than IBM that match the scale scope, and complexity of HP.”
Just over 11% of respondents proffered the names of female execs as the next leader. Harris said, “Women continue to play a prominent role in the tech sector. Had we conducted this research when Gerstner retired in 2002, I doubt the number would have been in the double digits.”
While the executives solicited were all based in North America, most had extensive European and Asian business operations exposure. Yet very few European or Asian execs were cited. Leopold suggested, “With its extensive operations outside North America, I would think an international executive from an company like Philips, General Electric, or Samsung would be worthy of consideration.”
A large contingent—25%—believes an existing HP executive or Board member would be the best choice. The most frequently cited executive at HP to lead the company was Todd Bradley. Harris opined, “Bradley could indeed be a logical choice. With stints at General Electric, FedEx, and Palm prior to his leadership role at HP, he has the breadth of operating experience to run HP. Plus, while he understands HP’s culture, he has not spent his entire career at HP as was the case for some of the other HP names suggested.”
Perhaps the most jarring insight from the survey results was that Mark Hurd was tied for second place with Ann Livermore among the HP execs cited to be next CEO of HP. Respondents who picked Hurd frequently questioned the HP Board’s judgment in terminating him.
Leopold, who leads Cook’s Board Director practice, noted the importance of succession planning. “It’s crucial for every public company to have a documented plan in place so it can avoid shareholder concerns.”
At one point last week, HP had lost over $10B in market cap, due in some portion to the leadership vacancy.
About the Technology Practice: The Technology Practice at Cook Associates Executive Search has a track record of identifying inspiring leaders and partnering with organizations around the globe to build exceptional management teams. Our search consultants have personally held prior operating roles in general management, sales and marketing and understand the inner-workings of high technology companies. Their relationships with multi-nationals, venture capital investors, and global leaders in private equity provide an expanded network and unparalleled access to senior executives. Click here to learn more about the Technology Practice.
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Tue, Aug 17, 2010 @ 02:12 PM
The recent HP CEO survey conducted by the Technology Practice at Cook Associates Executive Search was featured in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal.
The survey reached over 1,000 tech and finance industry executives, asking them to predict Mark Hurd's successor.
Complete results will be published soon.
Read here: HP, IBM seen as source of new HP chief Read more: HP, IBM seen as source of new HP chief - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Fri, Aug 13, 2010 @ 11:20 AM
The Technology Practice at Cook Associates Executive Search recently conducted a survey of 1,000 top executives from the technology sector and financial community to inquire about who they feel should be the next HP CEO. Jeff Leopold, Managing Director within the Boston office, was quoted.
Complete results of the survey will be published soon.
Click here to read the article. Survey Says: Next H.P. CEO To Come From H.P. or I.B.M.
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Fri, Aug 06, 2010 @ 09:26 AM
Chicago, August 2010 – Walter Rach, Managing Director of the Food and Beverage search practice for Cook Associates Executive Search, announces the launch of his Blog, Food for Thought. Each week, Walter posts thought-provoking commentary about topical issues arising in the Food and Beverage industry.
Walter comments on the purpose of his blog, "My goal for this blog is to offer opinions regarding interesting industry happenings and to provide a forum for others to respond. Since my involvement in Food and Beverage is focused on executive search, I anticipate that my commentary will primarily lean towards related issues, such as executive hiring, organizational development and talent management within the industry."
With over 25 years of executive search experience for Cook Associates, Walter has become an expert in all areas of Food and Beverage search. He has a strong and proven reputation for his consultative approach to search strategy and management and his impressive executional abilities are validated by on-going and repeat client business.
Walter posts to his blog every Tuesday. Follow his blog at Walter Rach's Food and Beverage Industry Blog.
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Tue, Jul 27, 2010 @ 01:48 PM
Chicago, August 2010 – Kevin Logterman recently launched Family Matters, a talent management blog focused on the family business. Kevin is the Managing Director of the Family Business and Industrial Practices of Cook Associates Executive Search. With over 25 years of business and search experience, he has developed a strong understanding of the competitive challenges facing businesses today and how exceptional talent and cultural fit can impact an organization. As the son of an entrepreneur and someone who has worked in family business his entire career, Kevin has a deep appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that family businesses face in today's world.
When asked about the reason to develop his blog, Kevin responded, “Family businesses often struggle with talent management issues, for numerous reasons. It’s my goal to share what I know and, especially, what I learn from others, to help them find, keep and retain their top talent.”
Kevin posts to his blog every week. Follow his blog at Family Matters Blog
Posted by Sarah Barnes on Mon, Jun 07, 2010 @ 03:00 PM
Chicago, June 2010 – Whether you are a top executive at a Fortune 500 company or just graduating from business school, Mary Kier’s blog, “Successful Careers in the Making,” offers priceless career advice and recommendations that can help make your career a success. Mary Kier is the Vice Chairman of Cook Associates Executive Search and has over 26 years of executive search experience. She is widely recognized as an expert in executive assessment and in the consumer markets industry.
When asked about the reason to develop her blog, Mary responded, “Cook Associates has always believed in the power of networking, coaching and development, and leadership development. We thought a blog might be the best way to reach out to a greater number of people in a style that is consistent with today’s world.”
Mary posts to her blog every Thursday at 12:00 p.m. Follow her blog here: http://www.cookassociates.com/Executive-Search-Blog/
Mary Kier began her career with the firm in 1984 and today oversees the executive search division. In addition to her own search practice in Consumer Products and Services, Mary leads the Consumer & Retail practice, managing an integrated team of consultants specializing in Consumer Services, Consumer Durable and Non-Durable Goods, CPG and FMCG. Mary is also the head of the Diversity practice and manages the InterSearch partnership.