辉瑞公司2010：CEO选错了吗？

This case discusses the circumstances of Pfizer’s CEO succession and reviews Pfizer’s glory days when it was led by former CEO Steele (1991–2001) and the new challenges when he left; outlines Steele’s successor’s dismissal by the board in 2006, and the resulting competition for succession; introduces the situation of the three candidates, and the process of the board’s choice of a new CEO; and details the performance of the new CEO, Mr. Kindler, during his tenure, including personal style, the reform of the business and organization, team management of senior management, and the relationship between members of the board. Internal failures and the resignation of executives sparked the board’s fears about the CEO. The board inquired into the level of trust and support the CEO garnered from the executive team, and evaluated his management decision-making and leadership behavior. As a result, Mr. Kindler resigned unexpectedly in December 2010. This case can be used in succession planning discussions about strategic human resources, CEO selection and corporate governance.