Ah, sorry, you're correct. The company was owned by people who wanted short-term profit maximising decisions (its shareholders). The people actually making the

Ah, sorry, you're correct. The company was owned by people who wanted short-term profit maximising decisions (its shareholders). The people actually making the decisions also owned shares, but nowhere near a controlling interest. Anyhow, I agree with your point about companies that are controlled by founders (whether public or not). A (sufficiently pragmatic) visionary with a controlling interest can achieve things that no amount shareholder-focused governance can. Of course they can also drive a company into the ground faster than anyone -- but the heights are reserved for them.