The continuity and long-term viability of any organization depend on one of its most critical strategic functions: CEO succession planning. An effective, proactive plan ensures stability, mitigates risk, and provides confidence to stakeholders, from employees to investors. This process is not merely a reactive measure but a strategic imperative that requires foresight, deliberate action, and a systematic framework. It is about building a sustainable pipeline of leadership talent that is not only ready to step up but is also aligned with the future direction of the company.

This comprehensive program is designed to demystify the succession planning process, transforming it from a daunting task into a manageable and strategic advantage. You will learn to establish a robust framework for identifying, assessing, and developing future leaders from within your ranks, while also understanding when to look externally. By mastering the art of executive transition, you will create a lasting legacy of leadership stability and organizational strength. This course provides the tools to ensure your company's success continues long after your current leader's tenure.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
• Members of the Board of Directors
• Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs)
• Senior Vice Presidents and Executive Leaders
• Organizational Development Professionals
• Company Founders
• Investors and Private Equity Partners
• Executive Coaches
• General Counsel
• Chief Operating Officers (COOs)

Objectives:

• Define the core principles of effective succession planning
• Establish a clear and transparent succession planning framework
• Identify key competencies and attributes for future leadership
• Develop a robust process for identifying and assessing internal candidates
• Create personalized development plans for high-potential individuals
• Manage the communication strategy around succession planning with stakeholders
• Understand the legal and governance aspects of executive transition
• Evaluate external talent options and recruitment strategies
• Plan for a smooth and successful leadership transition

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Strategic Imperative of Succession

• The business case for proactive succession planning
• The risks of an unprepared leadership transition
• Aligning succession strategy with corporate vision
• The roles and responsibilities of the board, CEO, and HR
• Best practices from leading organizations

Module 2: Defining the Ideal Future Leader Profile

• Identifying the core competencies for the next CEO
• Differentiating between current and future leadership needs
• The importance of cultural fit and values alignment
• Involving stakeholders in defining the leadership profile
• Creating a scorecard for candidate evaluation

Module 3: Identifying and Assessing Internal Talent

• Building a talent inventory of your top executives
• Using performance data and 360-degree feedback
• The role of psychological and leadership assessments
• Identifying 'high-potential' vs. 'high-performing' talent
• Creating a confidential and equitable assessment process

Module 4: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

• Designing a comprehensive leadership development program
• Using stretch assignments and rotational roles
• The value of executive coaching and mentorship
• Providing opportunities for board and external visibility
• Monitoring and measuring development progress

Module 5: The Role of the Board in Succession

• Establishing a formal succession committee and charter
• Overseeing the process and providing strategic direction
• Managing the CEO's involvement and input
• Preparing for an unplanned leadership event
• Communicating the plan and decisions with shareholders

Module 6: External Candidate Sourcing

• When and why to look for external candidates
• Partnering with executive search firms
• Defining the search criteria and candidate pool
• The due diligence and interview process for external hires
• Integrating external talent into the existing culture

Module 7: The Transition and Handover Plan

• Creating a clear timeline for the transition
• Defining the roles of the outgoing and incoming CEOs
• Managing the public announcement and communication
• The first 100 days plan for the new CEO
• Post-transition support and evaluation

Module 8: Communication and Confidentiality

• Developing a tiered communication strategy
• Communicating with the internal team and employees
• Managing external communication with investors and the media
• The importance of maintaining confidentiality and trust
• Handling sensitive information with discretion

Module 9: Sustaining a Culture of Succession

• Making succession planning a continuous, ongoing process
• Integrating succession into regular board meetings and performance reviews
• The CEO's role in championing talent development
• Measuring the long-term success of the succession plan
• Fostering an environment where leaders are always being developed

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.