Mahindra First Choice Services Limited, a multi-brand car-servicing business in India, needs to create a unique customer value proposition to differentiate its brand in a highly competitive landscape. In India, the aftermarket services market comprises original equipment manufacturers, independent garages and few organized players. The marketing head and his team need to position their company’s brand to capture customers that have previously relied on local garages and original equipment manufacturers.
An ethical hacker had recently started his entrepreneurial venture, EnterAll InfoSec Solutions. A technologist who believed that “ethical hacking” had huge market potential, he and his partner were searching for a business model that would address the information security needs of corporate clients, public sector undertakings (PSUs) and government institutions. Ethical hacking was a specialized and relatively nascent field, and the entrepreneur foresaw many challenges in convincing customers to use the services of his start-up company. The immediate concerns were how to expand the business, identify an optimal business model, explore sources of funding and create a strong team.
The managing director, founder and promoter of Manjushree Technopak Limited, based in Bangalore, India, had exploited various market opportunities to establish his third venture, which over 20 years had become the largest manufacturer of polyethylene terephthalate bottles and preforms in Southeast Asia. His brother and sons had also joined the company, which was listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange, and were now co-directors under his leadership. By 2013, the company was ready to expand to meet the growing demand for plastic containers in the food, beverage, health care and pharmaceutical industries and to counter its competition. It needed to convey a clear vision to all its stakeholders. Growth also meant the need for clarity in leadership roles and a sound internal governance structure. The managing director had three choices: 1) continue the status quo with himself as head of the company; 2) step aside and allow his professionally qualified sons to step up to the company leadership; or, 3) hire a professional from the corporate world as a new chief executive officer.