Founder-CEO Succession at Wily Technology Case Solution

2. As Lew Cirne, Why would Richard Williams want to replace you?

As Wily Technologies grew, more investments and funding became the need of the hour. As this became apparent, Cirne was requested to leave the post of CEO so that a more experienced CEO could be brought in to focus on the growing business. At times it is important that the founder CEO moves into another role once the business has established itself and it requires a more experienced veteran to further grow the business. Since the company was entering a new era of development, Williams thought it was better to bring in someone who had the expertise to further bolster growth.

Cirne did agree that the world’s best speedboat captain isn’t able to pilot an oil tanker. It would be better for the organization as a whole which is why Richard Williams has suggested that the CEO be replaced. Moreover, bringing the right candidate might also bring a positive change and a new perspective to the organization. In many cases it is important to understand that organizations once founded must hire a professional CEO to manage the company and founding members take up other roles such was the case with Cirne when he agreed to take the role of CTO.    

3. As David Strom, if Lew rejects Richard Williams’ demands and threatens to leave Wily, what should you do?

Cirne was in shock when he was asked to step down from the position of CEO, even though surprised, he agreed to pursue his new role as CTO and also participated in the search for a new CEO for the organization he himself founded and built to what it is today. It is important that the new CEO has the commitment that was first injected into the organization by Cirne. Williams also wanted Cirne to give up his chairman position that he held since the founding of the organization.