
Featured case:
The Thomas Cook Group, Plc Strategic Turnaround:
A CEO For a Season
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The Thomas Cook Group, Plc Strategic Turnaround: A CEO For a Season |
The author |
![]() Filipe MoraisFilipe discusses the lure of Thomas Cook, gaining key insights from Frank Meysman and the benefits of a Case Writing Scholarship. Thought-provoking topicFilipe said: “Thomas Cook is an iconic British company which underwent a very difficult period. ![]() I had, during a period of two years, interviewed many dozens of FTSE 100 and 250 CEOs, chairs and other directors. From all the cases I have examined, Thomas Cook offered a complex turnaround situation coupled with interesting, rich and thought-provoking leadership and governance dynamics and lessons.” Field researchFilipe added: “The case benefited immensely from the interviews conducted with Frank Meysman and colleagues because they provided nuance and context and importantly, it provided unique perspectives from different roles: CEO, CFO, Chair and other individuals. Many dilemmas and points of tension, which are normal in difficult circumstances, are given life by the real actors involved in the case.” Engaging caseHe continued: “I have tested the case with an MBA class and a group of 25 professionals of a financial services regulator. The feedback has been good. “The contentious nature of the case along with its multiple dimensions which can be explored in class (for example, leading change, turnaround, governance and the role of the chair, succession planning) ensures that students engage and debate different perspectives.” Building your contactsHe commented: “Alvarez & Marsal, a City of London turnaround specialist firm, facilitated the contacts with a number of companies, including Thomas Cook. “This was done under a larger research programme collaboration between Alvarez & Marsal and Henley Business School. Thomas Cook from day one was very open and collaborative, so I was very lucky. “But I would still encourage people to try and reach out – you never know.”
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