Replacing Strategic Executives: Semco’s Unconventional Approach

Replacing a Strategic Executive: Semco’s Challenge

The replacement of a senior executive is a complex task, especially when the individual is pivotal to the company’s culture and strategy. Semco Group faces this challenge with the departure of Clovis Bojikian, a key figure in shaping their unique management style.

Semco’s Unique Recruitment Process

Instead of traditional methods, Semco placed an advertisement emphasizing values like freedom and innovation, rather than standard qualifications. Candidates are asked to propose five ideas for Semco, highlighting the company’s unconventional approach.

Freedom and Flexibility at Semco

Semco, under Ricardo Semler and Clovis Bojikian, fostered a culture of employee autonomy, allowing flexible hours and remote work. This philosophy focuses on results over rigid control mechanisms.

Selection Process and Reactions

Hundreds of resumes were received, with top candidates facing interviews with Semco’s leadership and employees. This inclusive process aims to find a successor who aligns with Semco’s values. However, the unconventional approach has drawn mixed reactions from recruitment specialists.

Semco’s History of Unconventional Practices

Semler’s leadership, starting at age 21, transformed Semco from a struggling equipment supplier to a diversified group with a unique corporate culture. This history explains their unorthodox recruitment methods.

Unusual recruitment advertisement by Semco in newspapers and magazines.