Chapter 22 - Mercer Bennett Became Mercer Harbor Again
Two years after Lydia’s conviction, our company board considered rebranding.
The Bennett name had become associated publicly with scandal.
Some executives wanted removal.
Ethan offered voluntarily:
“Take it off.”
I hesitated.
Not because sentiment.
Because company should not rewrite history to punish one family.
Mercer Bennett had become a real brand.
Employees built it.
Customers knew it.
Diane Keller said:
“Brand research shows limited impact.”
We did not rush.
Three years later, after strategic acquisition changed company portfolio, we rebranded for business reasons:
Mercer Harbor Hospitality Group.
Not Mercer alone.
Not Bennett.
May you like
A new identity.
Ethan remained President of Development for two more years? Should he stay after divorce and mother's scandal? He was good and no criminal role. Board independent review cleared him of financial misconduct but identified governance failures. He stepped down from growth president to Senior Development Advisor? Better maybe he stays after independent review, but to avoid conflict, he resigns voluntarily for a year? Let's decide. The company is Anna's, but his career is real. During investigation, he took leave and board reviewed. Cleared of knowledge. He returned as Chief Development Officer? Might look nepotistic post-divorce. Better he leaves company after divorce and joins another hospitality developer. This is cleaner.
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