This study examines how organizations approach CEO succession planning, including how future leadership needs are defined, potential CEO candidates are identified and evaluated, candidates are developed for the role, the final successor is selected, and the transition to a new CEO is managed. The study also explores common challenges that can arise throughout the succession process and practices organizations use to address them.
The outcome of this study is the CEO Succession Planning Playbook, a comprehensive guide designed to provide practical guidance for Boards of Directors, CEOs, CHROs, and other key stakeholders involved in CEO succession. The research draws on the experiences and perspectives of executives and directors with extensive succession planning experience to capture the roles, responsibilities, practices, and potential pitfalls involved at each stage of the process.