From canning jars to aerospace: an interview with R. David Hoover, chairperson, chief executive officer, and president of Ball Corporation

Citation

Dalton, C.M. (2006), "From canning jars to aerospace: an interview with R. David Hoover, chairperson, chief executive officer, and president of Ball Corporation", Strategic Direction, Vol. 22 No. 8. https://doi.org/10.1108/sd.2006.05622had.007

From canning jars to aerospace: an interview with R. David Hoover, chairperson, chief executive officer, and president of Ball Corporation

From canning jars to aerospace: an interview with R. David Hoover, chairperson, chief executive officer, and president of Ball Corporation

Dalton C.M., Hoover R.D.Business Horizons, March-April 2006, Vol 49 No 2, Start page: 97, No of pages: 8

Purpose – To present an interview with R David Hoover, chairperson, chief executive officer and president of Ball Corporation, the US international leader in a wide range of products and services from aluminium drinks cans to satellite systems. Design/methodology/approach – Outlines Hoover’s career track since joining Ball Corporation in 1970 as assistant to the treasurer, before discussing his experience within the company and changes that the organization has undergone in over 125 years of existence. Enquiries into what Hoover has enjoyed about working for the company and what continues to delight him in the role of CEO; whether Ball’s location in his native Indiana made the company an especially attractive opportunity; and the extent to which the variety of positions Hoover has held have made for an exciting career path. Explores Hoover’s recollections of what he has found to be rewarding during his 36 years with the corporation; whether the decision in 1996 to exit the glass manufacturing business was a difficult one to take; and what hey markets Hoover envisions during the company’s growth and success going forward. Discusses the “Ball Keys to Success” which have earned the company its high reputation in the industry for running a highly productive operation, centred on being close to its customers; innovation, creativity and imagination in approaching the workplace; attention to detail; building on strengths; and behaving like owners. Concludes the interview, enquiring into the key challenges that Hoover faced during the company’s acquisition of Reynalds Metal Company and the European beverage can business; Ball Corporation’s keys to success with the acquisition and joint venture in China; and Hoover’s aspirations for the next 25 years of the Ball Corporation. Originality/value – Takes a look behind the scenes of Ball Corporation through the experiences of company veteran R. David Hoover.ISSN: 0007-6813Reference: 35AH175

Keywords: Equal opportunities, Management styles, Acquisitions and mergers