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Leading for Performance: Ulrich Lehner at Henkel

By Morten T. Hansen,  Herminia Ibarra,  Nana von Bernuth
Published 26 Jul 2010
Reference 5707
Topic Strategy
Industry Consumer Goods
Region Europe
Length 24 page(s)
Language English
Inspection copy
6.00
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Summary

This case dscribes how Henkel's CEO, Ulrich Lerner, tried to transform the company during his tenure from 2000 to 2008. Although he partially succeeded in transforming several parts of the company, industry peers (notably Reckitt Benckiser in the UK) achieved far better results during the same period. The case allows students to analyze what worked in the transformation and also why the company's performance was not exceptional.

Teaching objectives

This case allows students to analyze why some company transformations are successful while others are not, and the role of leadership in the process.

Keywords
  • Leadership
  • Performance
  • Strategy
  • Change management
  • General Management
  • Transformation
  • Consumer goods
  • RD0710
  • AR2010
  • AR0910
About the authors
Hansen

Morten T. Hansen

Ibarra

Herminia Ibarra

von Bernuth

Nana von Bernuth


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