Corporate changes warning sign?

9 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 6,2023 at 7:55PM UTC

   Could be. Create a Google search on them and the company to see any trends being mentioned that you otherwise wouldn't know about.

2. AnonymousMarch 6,2023 at 10:34PM UTC

   When key longterm employees begin leaving an organization loses valuable institutional knowledge that is very hard, if not impossible to replace. When officers or leaders of the company leave, it signals to the outside or industry that the company is in flux.

   If you notice these key folks making their way out the door you can bet there are major changes happening to the company. You have to follow your gut instinct whether these changes are good or bad. I can usually tell just by the overall vibe of the C Suite.

3. Jennifer WeaverMarch 7,2023 at 12:47AM UTC

   I think it depends on the industry. In SaaS companies, I’ve found turnover of executives to be normal with mergers and acquisitions as well as investors. It usually means a change in processes and culture in my experience. Could be good for the employees or bad. It’s great that you are watching this and are aware.

4. AnonymousMarch 7,2023 at 3:47PM UTC

   If its more than 1, it could be a warning sign.... mergers/acquisitions, they aren't going to get their bonuses (or just got them) and they are concerned about the future.

5. AnonymousMarch 8,2023 at 2:58PM UTC

   Further questions I would ask - What's the performance of the company? Other changes of tone at the top? What's the timing like? Were bonuses just paid out? Likely a VP doesn't leave unless they see better options elsewhere or need a personal change.

6. Barbara WhiteMarch 9,2023 at 1:43PM UTC

   Unless all these VPs just happened to become CEOs elsewhere at the exact same time (which "could" in theory happen, but rarely does all at once), I would guess that there is something going on that will affect the company leadership and direction. A merger could of course be one those things, but it may be something like the current CEO is about to leave and several are either going with him/her to the next job or had agreed to delay their own retirement until that person was ready to go. I have actually seen that happen in one company long ago. It could also mean that the CEO is difficult to work for or is making bad decisions, and they want to distance themselves from the situation and find a place where they can better use their skills and talents. I wouldn't necessarily assume it's a bad thing, but I definitely would see it as an indication that a major change of some sort is about to occur (which may be good or bad), or there are some serious issues in the company they are escaping. I'm watching it happen right now, and it's both painful and humorous to see who will hand in a resignation letter today because s/he just can't take it anymore (humorous because it's close to a crippling situation, yet no one is really taking it as the warning sign it is.) Good luck!

7. Kathy LeskiMarch 9,2023 at 3:25PM UTC

   Are VPs the head of your divisions/business units? Then I'd say yes. When my SVP announced his retirement (believe me he is not the type of guy to retire early!!) I knew something was up. There were a few other signs as well, but I started looking and took another role, he wasn't yet gone, but came into my office after I gave my resignation letter to him and he said, "what took you so long" and had shared with me other info he couldn't prior. trust your gut.

8. AnonymousMarch 10,2023 at 1:11AM UTC

   Perhaps. Not knowing what your company does or how driven it is by revenue or if those VP's are revenue driven ones often those leave if they are not bringing in enough $ for what they do. They can be the most costly things to a budget. You also don't mention if you can directly speak to those who have left but I would surely reach out wish them the best and ask them if there were any reasons they left that could cause concern. If you feel uncomfortable doing so you could ask others about this internally or speak to your manager and see if they have worries.

9. AnonymousMarch 10,2023 at 2:04AM UTC

   Based on my experience it all depends. In some cases it could be due to an acquisition and commitment to stay with the acquiring company and once that time is up executives will move on. However, if the departures are random or not related to an acquisition I would question what's going on. The great resignation was real and I have seen that many of those that left have had quite a bit of turnover and multiple roles since leaving.