Company deep dives

Odgers Berndtson interviews

United Kingdom · CEO succession

How the interview runs

  1. BenchmarkingMarket and leadership benchmarking, 360 reviews and leadership profiles for the board.
  2. ShadowingThe new CEO works alongside the outgoing one before the handover.

Source: odgers.com, odgers.com

How candidates are assessed

“Our experts combine market and leadership benchmarking, 360 and independent leadership profiles and ongoing surveys to keep the Board and contenders aligned to reduce the risk of CEO failure or unplanned turnover of C-Suite executives.”

Odgers BerndtsonExecutive search firm

Odgers Berndtson · Undated, checked 11 November 2026

Benchmarking for the board

Practise choosing a successor against the role’s mandate.

Example

How the choice is made

“Shadowing the outgoing CEO provides similar benefits for new CEOs. Working with the incumbent before their departure provides the new CEO with a seamless transition into the role, allowing them to gather first-hand experience and knowledge from a more seasoned leader.”

Odgers BerndtsonExecutive search firm

Odgers Berndtson · 2024-02-27

Shadow the outgoing CEO

Practise choosing a successor against the role’s mandate.

Example

Leading others

“During this period, they have the time to build trust and rapport with stakeholders – an invaluable process for leaders who need to “bring others on a journey” in driving change and growth.”

Odgers BerndtsonExecutive search firm

Odgers Berndtson · 2024-02-27

Time to build trust

Practise getting functional leaders to one delivery promise.

Example

Range and learning

“In short, the CEO’s role is now so unique in the complexity of issues they must address, that few executives are truly ready to tackle the challenges.”

Odgers BerndtsonExecutive search firm

Odgers Berndtson · 2024-02-27

Few are truly ready

Practise revising a keep-or-sell recommendation when the facts change.

Example

Last reviewed