Mozilla and the Executive's Reputation

By Jason Hanold

As managing partner and CEO of Hanold Associates, LLC, an executive search firm, Jason Hanold has dedicated his career to finding and placing management talent. Jason Hanold applies an in-depth knowledge of corporate culture and board expectations of executive actions.

Introduction

In today's business world, where corporate image comprises up to 63 percent of the value of a company, an executive's personal beliefs and actions have become publicly relevant. This recently became evident when Mozilla CEO Brendan Eich stepped down due to controversy over a personal donation he made to an anti-gay marriage cause. Mr. Eich argued that his personal beliefs bear no relevance to his work with Mozilla, a statement that experts suggest was ill advised.

About Corporate Image

Like those in elected office, a company's CEO must present himself or herself as an individual person to gain public trust. By sidestepping the issue, Mr. Eich left his character and beliefs open to debate and thus allowed the backlash against him to overtake the situation. Mr. Eich has now lost his position, and Mozilla faces an extensive recovery period. Statistics show that a negative corporate reputation may take four to seven years to turn around, particularly in an age when consumer activism is showing an ever greater influence on the open market.

Conclusion