Case | HBS Case Collection | 2011 (Revised from original 2009 version)

Solvay Group: International Mobility and Managing Expatriates

by Boris Groysberg, Nitin Nohria and Kerry Herman

Abstract

Marcel Lorent, head of International Mobility at Brussels-based Solvay Group, faces decisions on the expatriation status of four of his firm's talented executives. Each decision will impact the candidate's professional and personal life and will have implications for effective management and growth in Solvay's global markets. The case explores these issues, with a close look at Solvay's attempts to develop talent management and mobility processes that allow the firm to align its strategic needs with the complexities of its individual employees' needs and lives.

Keywords: Talent and Talent Management; Residency Characteristics; Globalized Firms and Management; Employees; Leadership Development; Work-Life Balance; Brussels;

Citation:

Groysberg, Boris, Nitin Nohria, and Kerry Herman. "Solvay Group: International Mobility and Managing Expatriates." Harvard Business School Case 409-079, February 2011. (Revised from original January 2009 version.)