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  • August 2004 (Revised September 2005)
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Stanley O'Neal at Merrill Lynch (A)

By: David A. Thomas and Ayesha Kanji
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:20
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Abstract

In the late 1970s, Stanley O'Neal joined Merrill Lynch as an investment banker. Profiles O'Neal's ascent at Merrill to CEO. O'Neal put Merrill through a comprehensive restructuring program, cutting costs and significantly reducing the work force. As CEO, O'Neal faces the challenge of changing the company's signature "Mother Merrill" culture into a performance-driven and meritocratic one, while facing resistance and criticism from inside Merrill and Wall Street. Provides data on Merrill's financial performance and investment banking ratings. Teaching Purpose: To demonstrate leadership at the executive level, highlighting the career development of a person of color. Also, to focus on changing corporate culture and CEO succession.

Keywords

Restructuring; Race; Cost Management; Investment Banking; Job Cuts and Outsourcing; Leadership; Management Succession; Performance Effectiveness; Personal Development and Career

Citation

Thomas, David A., and Ayesha Kanji. "Stanley O'Neal at Merrill Lynch (A)." Harvard Business School Case 405-029, August 2004. (Revised September 2005.)
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About The Author

David A. Thomas

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Related Work

    • August 2004
    • Faculty Research

    Stanley O'Neal at Merrill Lynch (B)

    By: David A. Thomas and Ayesha Kanji
Related Work
  • Stanley O'Neal at Merrill Lynch (B) By: David A. Thomas and Ayesha Kanji
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