How SGS became the dominate player in this industry with some unique selection of CEO leadership over the past 20 years.
With the arrival of Sergio Marchionne in 2002 set the motion for SGS’s current high standing in the industry. Considered a charismatic and “get it done” type of leader, he transformed this sleepy Geneva based company into a global powerhouse by shaking up the management ranks and much needed business focus on key activities. In 2006 he passed on the baton to Chris Kirk as CEO. Chris know internally known as “Captain Kirk” (from StarTrek Series) was a long time SGS company man and he was able to build on the momentum created by Marchionne, who dutifully executed the roadmap set by his predecessor. Then in 2015 he stepped down and Frankie Ng was appointed CEO. Frankie was a surprise choice as he was considered more of an “analytical” guy and lacking charisma. Did you notice he was rarely visible during SGS financial briefings and kept a very low profile during his entire tenure as CEO? He was considered “bit of a Nerd” but at the same time able to continue the transformation to keep SGS firmly on top.
After 9 years, he is stepping aside as CEO. The choice of his successor is also bit of a surprise, as they reached outside of the SGS management ranks and have chosen Géraldine Picaud. She has a CFO background. There was “another Géraldine” that they could have been picked who was also available, with a similar background who was CFO at SGS about a decade ago and then went on become the CO-CEO at DSM. Her name is Géraldine Matchett and she has left DSM recently as the role of having CO-CEOs was merged into just one CEO. The question is why was there no talent within SGS that could be CEO material and the fact the Frankie simply did not grow the talent within his management ranks? The second question is would Géraldine Matchett be a better pick, who understood SGS and had already some CO-CEO experience? I guess time will tell, as SGS has to work hard to stay on top in this sector.
Wishing SGS and all its 100K employees all the best.
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