CEO Development and Succession Planning in Europe

This document is a report that discusses the challenges European companies face in CEO development and succession planning as of 2026. It outlines how geopolitical and economic factors, along with technological disruptions, are influencing the selection and effectiveness of CEOs. The report highlights that while many boards are opting for experienced leaders, there is a significant gap between the skills these leaders possess and the strategic needs of their organizations. It notes that 38% of surveyed leaders find a mismatch between their current CEO's strengths and the skills required for future success. The report emphasizes the importance of aligning succession planning with business strategy and the need for ongoing assessment of leadership capabilities. It also presents findings from a survey indicating that fewer than half of European companies achieve alignment across key dimensions of leadership development. The document concludes with recommendations for boards to adopt a proactive approach to succession planning, focusing on developing a broader pipeline of potential leaders.