Strategy Students Visit Protective Life

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Created on October 10, 2011

Over fifty students from the combined MBA and undergraduate capstone class, “Strategic Management: Conversations with CEOs,” traveled to the headquarters of Protective Life Corporation on Highway 280 in Mountain Brook on October 4, 2011 to discuss that company’s strategy with its chief executive officer Johnny Johns and its chief operating officer Carolyn Johnson.

Johns and Johnson described how the company examines both internal and external forces when designing its strategy. They noted that Protective’s employees are highly motivated to provide “peace of mind” for the company’s customers, and that the company uses that internal strength in setting its strategy.

Mr. Johns and Ms. Johnson also noted, however, that external forces such as intensifying competition in the life insurance industry and low interest rates are external threats to the company sustaining a competitive advantage over its rivals. 

A group of UAB School of Business students researched the strategy of Protective Life and made a presentation to Mr. Johns and Ms. Johnson.

Protective Life is an exemplary corporate citizen, supporting numerous community organizations including UAB’s.

“Strategic Management: Conversations with CEOs” is taught by Professors Eddie Friend and Stephen Yoder, and features visits from CEOs of public or other large complex organizations who discuss their organizations’ strategies and how they are developed and implemented.