Helmut Maucher (1927–2018)

Helmut Maucher helped transform Nestlé into a global company and expand its range of activities into water and confectionery. His quiet and descent management style produced results second to none and Nestlé stands in a better position than its peers. In this slim volume of twelve chapters, Maucher has distilled his (and Nestlé's) management philosophy and practice. Based mainly on Peter Drucker, the book offers nothing shocking nor is it terribly disappointing, but it lacks the force and wit Maucher exhibited in interviews and talks.

Some elements are obviously dated. In 2007, Claudia Schiffer is no longer first pick for a cosmetics campaign. And his remarks regarding the internet and IT do not sound knowledgeable. The Nestlé PR department (thanked in the acknowledgements) should have done a more thorough job. It might also have checked the many misattributed quotes. A little research and googling might have rescued phrases from dead, white men from becoming ancient Chinese sayings.… (mer)