Publications
Publications
- February 2016 (Revised October 2016)
- HBS Case Collection
Linda Rabbitt at rand* construction
By: Boris Groysberg and Katherine Connolly
Abstract
Linda Rabbitt, founder and CEO of rand* construction, walked into her office at the company's headquarters in Alexandria, VA, and closed the door behind her. It was 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 22, 2014, and she had just addressed her staff after the sudden and tragic death of the company's well-loved president, Jon Couch, the previous Friday afternoon. It had been an emotional address, as Rabbitt tried to inspire the company to move forward, while holding back her own tears. For Rabbitt and for everyone else at the company, the loss was both professional and personal. Furthermore, Couch's death signified for Rabbitt the loss of her entire succession plan. Now in her mid-60s, Rabbitt was preparing to turn over the reins of the company to Couch, whom she had partnered with and mentored for 18 years. What should Rabbitt do now? What should she plan for the future now that Couch was gone?
Keywords
Women And Leadership; Women Executives; Succession Planning; Leadership; Entrepreneurship; Management Succession; Construction Industry; District of Columbia
Citation
Groysberg, Boris, and Katherine Connolly. "Linda Rabbitt at rand* construction." Harvard Business School Case 416-022, February 2016. (Revised October 2016.)