Michael Polk on the Call That Changed His Path
A phone call from Berkshire Partners in 2020 changed the direction of Michael Polk’s career for a second time. The private equity firm wanted him to lead Implus LLC, a fitness accessories portfolio company, just months after he had stepped back from public company leadership.
An Unexpected Return
Polk had recently left his post as CEO of Newell Brands, a role he held from 2011 to 2019 that put him in charge of tens of thousands of employees across a wide range of consumer brands. He briefly retired, but the pull of active leadership proved hard to ignore.
Berkshire Partners offered something Polk hadn’t experienced during his years at Procter & Gamble, Kraft Foods, Unilever and Newell the chance to run a company outside the public eye. Michael Polk Newell Brands took the opportunity, curious about how leadership would differ without quarterly earnings calls and a board of public shareholders shaping every decision.
The difference turned out to be considerable, felt in the daily rhythm of the job more than in any single decision. Implus gave Polk direct exposure to areas of the business, including cash flow, logistics and commercial strategy, that had often been handled by other executives during his time at larger firms.
He also found himself working more closely with employees on brand and business development, rather than focusing primarily on capital allocation from a distance. Polk has described the experience as being in the crucible with his team, helping guide the choices that push the business forward.
Since taking the role, Michael Polk has helped Implus navigate pandemic related disruptions while strengthening its operating foundation for future growth. He still answers to a board and to company owners, echoing the accountability structure he knew at Newell, but the day to day work feels different.
Nearly five years after that first call, Polk has called his time at Implus the best stretch of his professional life. Read this article for more information.
Additional information about Michael Polk can be found on https://www.businessmole.com/former-newell-brands-ceo-michael-polk-how-a-strategic-corporate-move-reshaped-newell-brands/
