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Crown Worldwide Holdings Ltd.: Passing the Torch in a Family Business

REF ID : UST/P8
Case Author : Prof Roger KING and Vincent MAK
Publication Date : 31.08.2007

Abstract

James Thompson, Founder and Chairman of Crown Worldwide Holdings, in his mid-sixties, began to think of succession issues. Despite his achievements in life, it would inevitably come the day when he would no longer be there to oversee Crown’s operations and development. It was uncertain whether any of his children had the competence, stamina or interest to take over the diversified global conglomerate. Though still in good health and spirits, Thompson understood very well that he had to start his succession planning before it was too late.

Company/Organization Crown Worldwide Group
Industry logistics, fine art collections transport, records management, relocations, wine cellars, world mobility
Major Discipline General Management
Subject(s) succession planning, Corporate governance, Family business, Global business, Inheritance, Leadership transition, Management style, James Thompson, Crown Worldwide Group, Transgeneration
Geography Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia
Case Nature Field
Page count of the Case 16
Supplementary Materials Case (in Simplified Chinese version)
Publisher HKUST
Last Revision Date 31.08.2007