Yesterday's New York Times carried an excellent article about NCR's move of its world headquarters from Dayton to suburban Atlanta. The article is not very kind to Dayton, but it's even harsher towards Bill Nuti, NCR's CEO, who made the decision to end NCR's connection to Dayton, which dates back to 1884. Lee Fisher, Ohio's Lt. Governor (and candidate for Senate) called the move "shamefully irresponsible." In February 2009, Fisher tried unsuccessfully to meet with Nuti. According to Fisher, one NCR executive "acted as if we had asked to meet with the emperor."I've long felt that the culture surrounding senior management at large corporations is broken, and the story of NCR's departure from Dayton simply reinforces how broken it actually is. When one man can make a decision, based almost certainly on hubris, that breaks a corporate bond with the surrounding community, then it's time for the Board to step in and demonstrate some moral courage. As a faculty member I'm happy that UD has purchased the World Headquarters and surrounding land, but as someone who lives in Dayton I'm sorely disappointed in NCR's actions.
This Land - In Dayton, the Emptiness Echoes Where NCR Used to Be - Series - NYTimes.com
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