Planning for the most critical leadership transition.

CEO succession isn’t just a leadership change—it’s a pivotal moment that can make or break a company’s future. With CEO tenures shorter than ever and nearly half of successors underperforming, boards can’t afford to leave succession to chance. A misstep can erode stakeholder confidence, stall momentum, and compromise strategic continuity.

This guide outlines RHR’s structured approach to CEO succession planning—refined through decades of experience advising boards and evaluating leadership. From aligning around future strategy to preparing internal candidates and supporting onboarding, this step-by-step process is built to reduce risk and ensure long-term leadership success. Whether you're preparing for a transition in the next year or establishing a long-term plan, this guide offers practical insight, data, and proven practices for getting it right.