As CEO tenures shrink, boards are confronting leadership transitions more often—and with mixed results. Despite broad consensus that CEO succession is a board’s most critical duty, many still struggle to get it right. What are the reasons for this disconnect? How do boards know when the time is right to look for a new CEO? What can directors do to maintain control over this process while still leveraging the expertise and judgment of the outgoing CEO? This session will offer advice for boards on how to navigate the tight labor market for outstanding CEO talent. The panel will also explore strategies for long-term succession planning and execution, including nurturing internal talent, the importance of developing the full executive team, the merits of giving preference to internal candidates, and the ongoing efforts needed to help ensure the success of the newly placed CEO.

LOCATION: Room 290, Classroom Building, Stanford Law School
DATE: June 24, 2025
TIME: 1:50 pm - 2:50 pm
Photo of Jackie Liu, provided by speakerJackie LiuPhoto of Jane Bargmann from Heidrick & Struggle websiteJane BargmannPhoto of Anne Sheehan provided by Anne SheehanAnne Sheehan
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