Today's CEOs are expected to do far more than lead operations. They must steer organisations through uncertainty, technological disruption and increasingly complex business environments while inspiring confidence among stakeholders. Defining a realistic and forward-looking leadership profile is therefore essential—one that reflects both the company's strategic priorities and the adaptability required to meet future challenges.

An effective CEO succession process is continuous and comprehensive. It combines rigorous assessment of internal successors with ongoing mapping of the external leadership market, while aligning the board around a shared vision for the company's future and the capabilities required of its next CEO. This approach enables informed decision-making and creates the conditions for a successful leadership transition.

At SQN, we place particular emphasis on executive transition. A tailored onboarding plan, developed before the successful candidate assumes the role, helps maximise the impact of the first 100 days, laying the foundations for sustained leadership effectiveness and long-term business success.