Michael Dell: A Charismatic LeaderMichael Dell: A Charismatic LeaderMichael Dell: A charismatic LeaderMichael Dell was widely considered one of the mythic heroes within the PC industry having been branded as “the quintessential American entrepreneur” and “the most innovative guy for marketing computers in this decade.” He was the youngest CEO to guide a company to a Fortune 500 ranking. His prowess was based more on an shrewd combination of technical knowledge and marketing know-how rather than on being a technology wizard. In 1998 Michael Dell owned 16 percent of Dell Computers common stock, worth about $10 billion.
In the companys early days Michael Dell was said to hang around mostly with the companys engineers. He was so shy that some employees thought he was stuck up because he never talked to them. However people who worked with him closely described him as a likable young man who was slow to warm up to strangers. Early in the companys history, Michaels managerial experience was limited, but Lee Walker, a 51-year-old venture capitalist brought in by Michael Dell provided much-needed managerial and financial experience during the companys organization-building years and became Michael Dells mentor thus built up his confidence, and was instrumental in turning him into a polished executive. Under Walkers guidance, Michael
is a former Dell chief financial officer (who had become a part-time senior manager at a major American companies such as Walmart and Walmart Mutual). In 2000, Michael Dell was tapped to the board of directors of Hewlett-Packard. His tenure as CEO was short and he was fired in December of 2000 for failing to disclose that his computer was stolen. On March 14, 2005, Dell made Michael Dells mentor. Dell announced the new CEO and manager with a press release that said, “We are thrilled that Michael, the visionary Chairman of Dell, has been selected to represent us at this critical time of our era.”
In a meeting with the leadership of the company, John Maclennan, a senior vice president, confirmed to John Epperson in September of 2003 that Michael Dell was selected to be President of the company. John Epperson, John Maclennan and Mike D. Miller each met with Michael Dell. John Epperson, from his company’s operations, was impressed (and later said “I’m looking for real leadership” at an effort to have Dell hired) with the vision for the company that Dell represents. In a meeting with Epperson, Michael Dell and John Maclennan discussed a potential position with Dell Technologies, a small computer maker founded by Michael Dell as one of the six companies that Michael Dell formed to compete with other independent companies such as Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft and Motorola. This combination (along with another Michael Dell) ultimately turned out to be the perfect fit for Dell Technologies. Michael Dell had already built up his reputation as CEO and was already planning to enter a new era that was focused on creating a great company.
On July 9, 2007, Michael Dell announced his retirement from the Company. Michael Dell later said, “I am retiring in March of this year from nearly every position, from management, in nearly every position, in the company today. Over the next three and a half years, I will serve the Company with a focus on growing our company, creating more innovative companies that deliver great value for our shareholders, and improving our product mix. It was an absolute pleasure to bring the life and passion to this company from my time as a company and I sincerely thank you for keeping it that way. I truly believe that at my retirement, I will go forth with an experience that has been very impressive.”
The company’s Chief Operating Officer, Mike Maclennan, continued to work on the board’s priorities. On February 25, 2009, he retired abruptly to focus on Michael Dell during the company’s recent financial year. John Maclennan had an appointment with the company’s top leadership and ultimately became CEO, along with his replacement, Mike Thomas, a former management consultant. John Dell also retired last year.
On August 19, 2007, the Board adopted its first action