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Case Study

Coesia (B): The strategic enabler model

By Goutam Challagalla and Valerie Keller-Birrer

16 pages

April 2019

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Reference: IMD-7-1992

Despite initial skepticism throughout the company, by 2015 Coesia had achieved its “Ambition 2015” by exceeding the revenue goal of €1.5 billion. The company had created legitimate diversification beyond the tobacco industry, while at the same time significantly strengthening its competitive position in tobacco machinery. All the evidence suggested that Coesia’s transformation had been a success. In mid-2016 a new goal, “Ambition 2020,” was set with the aim of further doubling the 2015 business. The group had made the crucial choice of adopting an operating model that was referred to as the “strategic enabler” model. The enabler model ensured that the individual companies had significant autonomy and P&L responsibility. Functions such as HR, R&D, marketing and finance were created at group level to support the individual companies. A regional structure was added to enable the companies to access global markets. A Coesia identity and culture was also emerging. By the end of 2018, the group had expanded from 12 companies in 2010 to 21. The dramatic increase in size – both in terms of revenue and number of companies – brought new opportunities, challenges and dilemmas. The enabler model had delivered successful results, but the leadership team was reflecting on what, if any, changes were needed to make it scalable and efficient for a larger group.

Learning Objective

Case builds on the learning from Case A and discusses the strength and weaknesses of the different operating models and organization structures with focus on large global companies. Participants will be asked to compare the various organization structure

Keywords

Strategy, Transformation, Operating System, Business Model, Corporate Structure

Settings

Italy
Coesia, Manufacturing, Machinery, Manufacturing, Packaging and Containers
2002 - 2018

Type

Field Research

Available Languages

English

Related material

Teaching note

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This case study is part of a series

Coesia (A): Choosing an operating model to support its transformation journey
Coesia (B): The strategic enabler model

This case study is part of a series

Coesia (A): Choosing an operating model to support its transformation journey
Coesia (B): The strategic enabler model

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