Why is it so hard to get succession planning right?

Challenges in Succession Planning

Succession planning can be a difficult process, as evident from the experiences of two companies, Diageo and GSK.

In one instance, a CEO was ousted after a two-year tenure, resulting in a 43% decline in the share price. The board appointed an interim CEO, the CFO, to avoid a leadership vacuum while searching for a permanent replacement, as stated by the board chair:

“securing the best candidate… to take the company forward”
.

In contrast, the second company announced the COO's promotion to CEO three months in advance, with the current CEO staying on until September 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. This move was well-received by investors, with shares rising 3.6%, and was noted as an example of

“succession success”
.

These two examples highlight the different approaches to succession planning, with one company experiencing a more tumultuous transition and the other achieving a more seamless handover.

Author's summary: Succession planning challenges are evident in Diageo and GSK's experiences.

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Management Today Management Today — 2025-10-18

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