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Supplement | HBS Case Collection | August 2016

CEO Succession at Cisco (B): Announcement Strategy

by Boris Groysberg, J. Yo-Jud Cheng and Annelena Lobb

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Abstract

Supplements the (A) case (417-031). This case supplement describes Cisco’s communications strategy around the CEO announcement, which focused on controlling the narrative and avoiding leaks. The strategy included both internal and external processes aimed at introducing the new CEO to employees and the general public, respectively. Externally, the process unfolded without media leaks and with a modest stock market reaction.

Keywords: Management Succession; Communication Strategy; Technology Industry;

Language: English Format: Print 12 pages Purchase

Citation:

Groysberg, Boris, J. Yo-Jud Cheng, and Annelena Lobb. "CEO Succession at Cisco (B): Announcement Strategy." Harvard Business School Supplement 417-032, August 2016.

Related Work

  1. Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | May 2017 (Revised January 2018)

    CEO Succession at Cisco (A), (B), & (C), and Cisco Systems: In Search of the Next CEO

    Boris Groysberg, J. Yo-Jud Cheng and Annelena Lobb

    Teaching Note for HBS Nos. 417-031, 417-032 and 417-033. This note can also be used with "Cisco Systems: In Search of the Next CEO," HBS No. 416-027.

    Citation:

    Groysberg, Boris, J. Yo-Jud Cheng, and Annelena Lobb. "CEO Succession at Cisco (A), (B), & (C), and Cisco Systems: In Search of the Next CEO." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 417-076, May 2017. (Revised January 2018.)  View Details
    CiteView DetailsPurchase Related
  2. Supplement | HBS Case Collection | December 2017

    CEO Succession at Cisco: Video Supplement

    Boris Groysberg and J. Yo-Jud Cheng

    Excerpts of videotaped class visits and an interview with former Cisco CEO John Chambers about Cisco’s CEO succession planning process. Topics include Chambers’ reflections on the process; the roles of the incumbent CEO, board of directors, executive search, and the executive chairman; internal vs. external CEOs; rotations and development; managing turnover; and organizational culture. The video is divided into several related sections. The first video segment, “Reflections on the Process,” contains Chambers’ general reflections on Cisco’s entire succession process. The instructor can either show just the first video segment to explore a wide range of topics, or select several of the subsequent sections to focus on specific themes. Designed to accompany the “CEO Succession at Cisco” case series (417-031; 417-032; 417-033) and “Cisco Systems: In Search of the Next CEO” (416-027).

    Keywords: CEO succession; CEO Turnover; management succession; top management teams; corporate governance; board of directors; Organizational change; strategic human resource management; strategy; high technology; Management Succession; Managerial Roles; Corporate Governance; Organizational Culture; Change;

    Citation:

    Groysberg, Boris, and J. Yo-Jud Cheng. "CEO Succession at Cisco: Video Supplement." Harvard Business School Multimedia/Video Supplement 418-705, December 2017.  View Details
    CiteView DetailsPurchase Related

About the Author

Photo
Boris Groysberg
Richard P. Chapman Professor of Business Administration
Organizational Behavior

View Profile »
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More from the Author

  • Case | HBS Case Collection | October 2019 (Revised December 2019)

    Swizz Beatz

    Boris Groysberg, Annelena Lobb, Sarah Mehta, Boris Groysberg, Annelena Lobb and Sarah Mehta

    This case explores the life and career of rapper and music producer Swizz Beatz. Set in 2019, it covers the evolution of Swizz’s musical career and his new venture into the commercial art market.

    Keywords: Entertainment; Music Entertainment; Television Entertainment; Entrepreneurship; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Fine Arts Industry; Music Industry; United States;

    Citation:

    Groysberg, Boris, Annelena Lobb, and Sarah Mehta. "Swizz Beatz." Harvard Business School Case 420-034, October 2019. (Revised December 2019.)  View Details
    CiteView DetailsEducators Related
  • Case | HBS Case Collection | October 2019 (Revised December 2019)

    Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys: A Power Couple

    Boris Groysberg, Annelena Lobb, Sarah Mehta, Boris Groysberg, Annelena Lobb and Sarah Mehta

    Set in 2018, this case follows married couple and music industry titans Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys as they consider how best to use their platforms to achieve their goals. Since achieving professional success in the music industry early in their lives, Swizz and Keys had explored many different personal and professional pursuits. Swizz was particularly interested in the arts and had launched an initiative aimed at supporting emerging visual artists of color. Keys had taken on acting roles, written a children’s book, and had become an increasingly vocal advocate for social justice causes. Anchoring their professional work, Swizz and Keys had built a loving family rooted in communication and mutual respect. As one of the music industry’s most recognizable power couples, Swizz and Keys now considered how they might use their joint platform to continue to drive positive change for artists and creators of all stripes.

    Keywords: Entertainment; Music Entertainment; Television Entertainment; Entrepreneurship; Power and Influence; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Music Industry; United States;

    Citation:

    Groysberg, Boris, Annelena Lobb, and Sarah Mehta. "Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys: A Power Couple." Harvard Business School Case 420-035, October 2019. (Revised December 2019.)  View Details
    CiteView DetailsEducators Related
  • Case | HBS Case Collection | October 2019 (Revised December 2019)

    Swizz Beatz

    Boris Groysberg, Annelena Lobb, Sarah Mehta, Boris Groysberg, Annelena Lobb and Sarah Mehta

    This case explores the life and career of rapper and music producer Swizz Beatz. Set in 2019, it covers the evolution of Swizz’s musical career and his new venture into the commercial art market.

    Keywords: Entertainment; Music Entertainment; Television Entertainment; Entrepreneurship; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Fine Arts Industry; Music Industry; United States;

    Citation:

    Groysberg, Boris, Annelena Lobb, and Sarah Mehta. "Swizz Beatz." Harvard Business School Case 420-034, October 2019. (Revised December 2019.)  View Details
    CiteView DetailsEducators Related
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