Red Collar Group: Succession and Strategic Transformation (A)

This two-case series focuses on leadership succession and strategic transformation in a Chinese private business, Qingdao Red Collar Group Co., Ltd. (Red Collar Group).<br><br>Case A describes the strategic transformation put forward by the founder and chief executive officer, who firmly believed that the personalized customization model (i.e., the model based on made-to-order products) was the future of the traditional mass-production model. As a result of a decade of efforts and millions of dollars in investment, Red Collar Group successfully launched a global suit-customization supplier platform, Red Collar Made to Measure. In 2013, Red Collar Group upgraded its strategy, aiming to provide thorough solutions for the garment industry. Behind the strategic transformation in this case is the story of the chief executive officer, who was willing to hold on to his dream despite the lack of support from his employees. He was looking for a professional manager to succeed him as the leader of the company.<br><br>See 9B17M004 for Case B.

This case series is best suited for graduate or executive development courses on family business, strategy, corporate governance, and leadership. After completion of this case series, especially Case A, students will be able to<ul><li>discuss the role that the founder chief executive officer or other executive managers play in the process of a company’s strategic transformation;</li><li>understand the difficulties that can arise in the process of organizational transformation or change, and their corresponding solutions; and</li><li>identify the key drivers of the change process.</li></ul>

• Strategic Transformation, Family Succession, Family Business, Leadership