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Toy story: How family companies are bucking the trend

August 20, 2009

Two iconic family companies explain to Katie Barker how they are thriving in a competitive industry despite the recession thanks to the introduction of professional management and the continuation family values.

When Lego turned to Jorgen Vig Knudstorp as CEO in 2004 he became only the second non-family member to lead the company in its 77-year history. Third-generation Kirk Kjeld Kristiansen had been running the iconic toy giant for 25 years but acknowledged he had lost his way. The business was suffering under a weight of debt and stagnating with management that believed the company was in better shape than it actually was.

Alan Hassenfeld: Social responsibility gives you a competitive edge

September 1, 2008

At Hasbro we make toys. We also make a lot of packaging and, consequently, we’re part of a bigger problem affecting our world – waste.

At Hasbro we make toys. We also make a lot of packaging and, consequently, we're part of a bigger problem affecting our world – waste.

We work with another family-owned business, Wal-Mart, to lessen our impact and the results are startling. Every one of our products today has a traceable footprint and Wal-Mart expects us to improve our environmental responsibility on that product on a yearly basis.

US corporate philanthropy increased in 2007, says new report

June 6, 2008

Corporate philanthropy by multinational US businesses increased by 5.6% in 2007 according to new research by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy.

Corporate philanthropy by multinational US businesses increased by 5.6% in 2007 according to new research by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP). The international forum of business CEOs and chairpersons claims that donating shot up to a median of $26 million among the 155 companies it surveyed.

Highlighting the growing importance of philanthropy to long-term shareholder value, many cited a shift towards funding new strategic focus areas, as well as an increased level of senior management attention to community investment.

Asia: Polar opposites

September 1, 2006

Indian family businesses are some of the most optimistic in the world, while UK family family businesses are the least. Anuj Chande, Vishesh Chandiok and Howard Hackney take a close look at what the future holds for family businesses in each country

Anuj Chande is an International Business Partner at Grant Thornton UK; Vishesh Chandiok is Country Director International Business at Grant Thornton India; Howard Hackney is Head of Family Business at Grant Thornton UK.

To infinity and beyond...

May 1, 2006

Four months into retirement, Alan Hassenfeld hasn’t played a single round of golf – he’s busier than ever, championing Hasbro’s interests and cementing his family’s legacy. Hasbro’s last founding family member talks exclusively to Melanie Stern

Melanie Stern is section editor of Families in Business.

Four months into retirement, Alan Hassenfeld hasn't played a single round of golf – he's busier than ever, championing Hasbro's interests and cementing his family's legacy. Hasbro's last founding family member talks exclusively to Melanie Stern

Values and the bottom line

May 1, 2006

Family values can be an extremely emotive subject for many people. Just look at how so many issues the world over can result in extremists taking action in the name of ‘family values’: abortion centre bombings, gay rights protests and religious intolerance.

Suzy Bibko is editor of Families in Business.