Friday, November 9, 2012

Who dares to be CEO?

Lampert must move himself out of a hands on role in Sears

When investor Edward Lampert acquired Sears via merger of K-Mart in 2005 and became the Chairman, he thought of ruling the retail world. However, recent developments at Sears Holding Corp. suggest how poorly he misread the whole scenario. At the moment, the retail giant is facing the brunt from both internal & external factors. Apart from economic slowdown, its army of 3,800 stores is dilapidating with every passing day due to rising complaints related to its stores and customer service. Edward announced massive re-organisation plan on January 22, 2008 (new organisational structure composing of five business units – operating businesses, support, brands, online and real estate).

Surprisingly, just a week after the re-structuring announcement, Edward ousted CEO Allwyn Lewis, who he had only institutionalised at the helm two years back from a restaurant company – Yum Brands. He has appointed W. Bruce Johnson as interim CEO. Howard Davidowitz, Chairman, Davidowitz & Associates, pointed out, “It doesn’t make sense to kick start re-organisation without a full time CEO.” Another analyst on condition of anonymity said, “There hasn’t been clear reasoning from the management on why Lewis is being ousted… ”


Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.

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