21 Questions about CEO Succession

1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-041-20943-0
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 176 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm

Reihe: Routledge-Solaris Applied Research in Business Management and Board Governance

This book is a comprehensive guide that explores the most pressing issues surrounding CEO succession planning and execution – one of the most critical decisions a company will ever face.

The book delivers a clear framework to help boards, senior executives, and other stakeholders navigate every step of the CEO succession process – from identifying the right timing to evaluating candidates, preparing for unexpected departures, and ensuring smooth transitions. The framework is supported by diverse case studies, diagnostic checklists, and discussion prompts to walk readers through the complexities of CEO transitions. Ultimately, it equips readers with the knowledge for transforming CEO succession from a reactive challenge into a proactive opportunity that secures long-term organizational success.

An essential resource for professionals who are actively involved in governance of publicly listed, private, state-owned, or charitable organizations, including board members, executives, advisors, and consultants. The book will also be useful for scholars interested in corporate governance, strategy, or organizational transformation.

Zielgruppe

Postgraduate and Professional Practice & Development

Autoren/Hrsg.

Shekshnia, Stanislav

Fachgebiete

• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Management Entscheidungsfindung
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Unternehmensorganisation, Corporate Responsibility Unternehmenskultur, Corporate Governance
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Bereichsspezifisches Management Personalwesen, Human Resource Management
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Bereichsspezifisches Management Management: Führung & Motivation
• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Management Unternehmensberatung, Unternehmenssubventionen

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1 Why is CEO succession so important?

2 Why do so many organizations fail at CEO succession?

3 How to measure a CEO’s success?

4 What qualities make a great CEO?

5 When is the right time to change the CEO?

6 What does a good CEO succession planning process look like?

7 What is the role of the board in CEO succession?

8 What is the role of the CEO?

9 How to take into account different organizational contexts?

10 Which candidates have the best chances for success?

11 How to develop – and use – a good CEO profile?

12 How to identify, assess, develop, and prepare potential CEOs?

13 How to make – and communicate – a final choice?

14 How to set an effective governance framework for the new CEO?
15 How to organize the handover?

16 What about the outgoing CEO?

17 How to retain the runners-up?

18 What to do in cases of unplanned succession?

19 How to manage the replacement of larger-than-life CEOs?

20 How can AI improve CEO succession?

21 How do we know we got it right?

Über Autor(innen)

Stanislav Shekshnia is a professor at INSEAD, where he directs Leading from the Chair, Aspiring Directors, and Advanced Board development programs. His research concentrates on effective corporate governance and leadership. Shekshnia is the author, co-author, and editor of 11 books, including Leading a Board, second edition (2021), CEO School (2018), and Athletic CEOs (2018), and more than 50 articles. Since 2001, Professor Shekshnia has been an independent chair and director at public and private companies in France, the Netherlands, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the USA. In the last 25 years, he has advised dozens of companies on CEO succession and has educated thousands of board members and executives on the subject.