What is General Management?
General Management (GM) refers to the executive leadership of a company or brand.This includes but is not limited to the CEO, CMO, CFO, etc. General Managers oversee the brand’s profit & loss (P&L) statement, overarching strategy, and daily operations.
Darden has long been recognized as a leading MBA program in general management (ranked No. 1 by Financial Times). The case study method and integrated core curriculum provide a thorough understanding of how all areas of a business impact one another.
How are GM functions structured?
Many companies have Leadership Development Programs (LDPs) which is a great opportunity for MBA students get exposure to multiple functions within a company.
-
Marketing
Marketing or “brand management” is often the core of the brand, driving overall strategy, brand values, and product launches. Marketers are often responsible for the P&L, working with all core functions to drive the bottomline and brand strategy.
-
Finance
Finance or “corporate finance” works closely with marketing and sales teams to manage the company’s profitability, funding sources, capital structure, and investment decisions. To maximize shareholder value and balance risk, finance manages daily cash flow, reporting, and long-term strategic planning.
-
Strategy
Strategy roles vary greatly across companies but can be thought of as “internal consulting” within a company. Corporate strategy defines the overarching, long-term plan which involves: determining which businesses to compete in, how to allocate resources, and how to create maximum value. Strategy teams focus on long-term growth, which often involves mergers & acquisitions.
-
Operations
Operations or “supply chain” focuses on daily activities and systems, and processes that enable a business to function efficiently. Operations is the backbone of a company, transforming inputs to value.They optimize workflow, resources, and productivity using data models.
-
Human Resources
HR manages the employee lifecycle from hiring to termination. HR works with executive leadership to strategize the future of its workforce and human structure. Key functions include: talent acquisition, performance management, and corporate education.
Marketing or “brand management” is often the core of the brand, driving overall strategy, brand values, and product launches. Marketers are often responsible for the P&L, working with all core functions to drive the bottomline and brand strategy.
Finance or “corporate finance” works closely with marketing and sales teams to manage the company’s profitability, funding sources, capital structure, and investment decisions. To maximize shareholder value and balance risk, finance manages daily cash flow, reporting, and long-term strategic planning.
Strategy roles vary greatly across companies but can be thought of as “internal consulting” within a company. Corporate strategy defines the overarching, long-term plan which involves: determining which businesses to compete in, how to allocate resources, and how to create maximum value. Strategy teams focus on long-term growth, which often involves mergers & acquisitions.
Operations or “supply chain” focuses on daily activities and systems, and processes that enable a business to function efficiently. Operations is the backbone of a company, transforming inputs to value.They optimize workflow, resources, and productivity using data models.
HR manages the employee lifecycle from hiring to termination. HR works with executive leadership to strategize the future of its workforce and human structure. Key functions include: talent acquisition, performance management, and corporate education.
2026 Marketing and General Management Club members
2026-27 Board
Hannah Cho
President
Josiah Dillon
EVP
Mkenna Breckenridge
VP of Recruiting
James Kennedy
VP of Recruiting
Caroline Smith
VP of Recruiting
Henry Kenney III
VP of Affinity
Nishtha Kohlsa
VP of International
Grace Haffner
VPs of Events
Meghan Brady
VPs of Events
Emma Thompson
VP of Communication
Nathaniel Purdy
VP of Finance
Club Events
-
MGM Summit
The MGM Summit provides a platform for our sponsor companies to interact with students through a daylong event organized by the Club on grounds during September. The event provides first contact points between companies and students through various networking opportunities. Last year the event was headlined by Sarita Finnie (VP, Innovation and Growth Strategy – Consumer Health at Bayer).
-
MGM Social Events
Events ranging from casual happy hours to more formal networking nights are organized by the club throughout the year to break the monotony of coursework and recruiting.
-
Career Events
With a specific focus on career events, the Club organizes workshops around resume, cover letters, and interviews — both behavioral and case/technical — to help our members put their best foot forward.
-
Special Events
Kaizens trips, visits to companies, and apprenticeship challenges in partnership with companies are organized to provide practical exposure to all members of the club.