Getting the transition right, from appointment to impact.

What really determines whether a CEO transition succeeds or stalls? It's not just about selecting the right candidate—it's about what happens next. Based on interviews with 22 CEOs and a survey of 210 board members, this research-backed guide explores the overlooked dimensions of CEO transitions, including board engagement, the clarity of strategic expectations, the influence of predecessors, and how new CEOs navigate their first critical months.

RHR’s experience guiding executive transitions over the past 80 years reveals that alignment, communication, and support are just as vital as candidate selection. Whether you're preparing for a leadership handoff or refining your existing transition process, this guide offers practical, research-driven insights to help boards, CEOs, and CHROs lead with intention and achieve lasting success.