156. Ousting The CEO
At The AG Group. Tension hung inside the general conference room, each board of directors clearly not in a pleased mood.
Across the long table, all the Shareholders and other high-ups of the Group sat on the chairs, with Heidi occupying the CEO’s seat beside Zach, the president.
No one’s expression looked good. Harold Olsen’s allies glared in Heidi’s direction while the rest simply appeared crestfallen, including Grandpa Jeffery who had to attend the emergency meeting.
“Why is everyone quiet? Are we not supposed to be discussing the issues related to the Group and the ways to solve them?” Grandpa Jeffery’s voice broke the deafening silence.
The board of directors exchanged glances.
“What are we supposed to say? It is clear that this Group has poor management.”
“Every investor has pulled out, and every ally has canceled their collaboration-”
“So it is obvious that we’re all on a sinking ship. AG Group is falling and we cannot do anything about it.”
“What does the CEO have to say?” The most angry voice boomed. “Heidi, how are you planning to stop this calamity and prevent the upcoming ones?”
Harold Olsen looked heartbroken, when in fact, he had been the one causing all the trouble.
“Harold Olsen is right. Didn’t we appoint her as the new CEO so she can revive the Group?”
Whispers spread across the room.
“However, ever since she assumed the position, we’ve not seen any significant changes yet. On the other hand, the problems keep increasing.”
“Okay, no one can save the Group. It is better we all quit as well before its bad reputation affects us.”
“Gentlemen, you’re being too pessimistic,” Heidi interrupted the murmurs. “This is a critical point for the Group and we shouldn’t lose hope.”
“What approach are you planning to use? So far, there’s no improvement.” Someone pointed out.
“At this juncture, our mission is gaining back our old allies. For the past several days, we have been reaching out to each of them.”
“And how many of them have responded so far?” Harold asked. “Do they still want to work with the Group?”
“We have gotten no response yet. Despite that, we can’t lose hope.”
Harold looked at his men, their expressions filled with mischief. Communicating silently, they nodded concurrently before someone stood up.
The man faced Grandpa Jeffery. ” Nothing is going to work. The CEO doesn’t know what she’s doing. I say we should vote her out. Who’s with me?”
A large number of men raised their hands, only a few of them found the idea of suddenly ousting the CEO ridiculous.
“Heidi, we can’t let you continue with this silliness. We are making a firm decision to shut down the Group for a while then build it again from scratch,” Harold said, his expression triumphant.
“What kind of idea is that!?” Zach exclaimed. “Dad, it doesn’t even make sense. Starting from scratch means going back to level zero.”
“What choice do we have?”
“Uncle…” Heidi had been watching Harold Olsen silently, not a bit fazed by their threats or decision. “Okay, I’ll leave the Group. But you must do something first.”
“Really?” Harold’s forehead contorted into a frown, seemingly apprehensive.
“Ms. Olsen!” Isla was standing beside Heidi and she exclaimed in a shocked whisper.
Heidi gave her a reassuring look and then turned to her uncle. “Can you list all the success this Group has achieved through you?”
“The same question goes to the board of directors, the departments’ managers, and every other major employee.”
The room was silent.
“You all pin the blame on the president for the poor management and also the CEO,” she went on. “While you’ve done nothing but sit back, await a profit of your shares at the end of the month.”
“Are we supposed to do anything, isn’t it the Group’s responsibility?”
“You all are businessmen, do I have to provide the obvious answer?”
“Grandpa.” She looked at Grandpa Jeffery. “When you built this Group, was this how its management was?”
Grandpa Jeffery shook his head. ” Harold Olsen changed everything many years ago when he became the president.”
Heidi’s lips pulled into a subtle smile. ” The infrastructure my uncle proposed many years ago was to use the company’s massive wealth to invest in many small businesses, making way for a constant inflow of profit.”
“Unfortunately, that infrastructure was what eventually led the Group to its current condition. Because, most of those small businesses ran away with the company’s money, but Harold Olsen did nothing to apprehend them. Was it because of some illegal collaboration they had in secret?”
“Most big businessmen use such small businesses as a cover when they want to sell illegal substances like drugs.”
“You!” Harold pointed at her, his eyes wide, his face pale, and his mouth parting like a fish’s.
