Best Practices in CEO Succession Planning for AMCs

This document is a guide on best practices in CEO succession planning specifically tailored for Academic Medical Centers (AMCs). It outlines the challenges faced by AMCs in developing internal talent for CEO roles, particularly in light of increasing CEO turnover rates. The analysis presented is based on a study of 103 AMC health systems over a decade, revealing that over 80% experienced CEO turnover, with many systems relying on external candidates for leadership positions. The guide emphasizes the importance of cultivating an internal talent pipeline to ensure leadership stability and continuity. It details a multi-path approach to succession planning that includes partnerships between boards and current CEOs, as well as the need for comprehensive leadership development initiatives. The document also discusses the evolving profile of AMC CEOs and the necessity for boards to embed long-term strategic planning within their systems to enhance internal promotions and prepare for future leadership challenges.