Abstract

The case examines the succession planning process at the US-based GE, the leading diversified business conglomerate in the world. The case details the growth of GE under its various leaders from its inception, and examines GE’s commitment to succession planning through the decades. It discusses in detail the succession planning and leadership development processes at GE, and also examines the CEO succession planning under Jack Welch, GE’s CEO and chairman in the period 1981-2001. The case examines the differences between the management styles and ideologies of Welch and Jeff Immelt, who succeeded Welch as chairman and CEO of GE. Finally, the case examines the future of GE under the leadership of Immelt.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• CEO Succession Planning
• Leadership Development.

Keywords

GE, CEO Succession Planning, Leadership Development, Jack Welch, Jeff Immelt, Management Style, Tools in Succession Planning, Succession Planning for Managers