Cultures grow together

A joint corporate story for Danone Specialized Nutrition

Challenge / Approach

The French global corporation Danone merges two companies, each with its own tradition, under its roof: Milupa is equipped with 100 years of experience with feeding babies and toddlers during the decisive first 1,000 days of life; Nutricia has over 100 years of expertise in medical nutrition in critical moments and phases of life. Two very distinct corporate cultures with very different marketing approaches shall grow together.

Implementation

Klenk & Hoursch accompanies Milupa, Nutricia and Danone during each step towards the new company story and towards a common identity.

• Phase 1: Based on discussions with Corporate Communications team members and input from the participating companies, the story’s general guidelines are drafted by local and international management.
• Phase 2: During in-depth interviews, Klenk & Hoursch asks managers about their expectations, hopes and fears. The result is a detailed draft with an emotional tone of mutual respect and setting out together.
• Phase 3: A workshop with 12 executives serves as a test for the story. Is it credible and relevant for all stakeholders? Is the story easy to tell for those who need to share it? The result is a fine-tuned wording of the internal and external story.
• Phase 4: The story is completed by Klenk & Hoursch's own distinctive visualization. At the annual kick-of meeting with all employees, the story is told by the management.