The Next CEO: Board and CEO Perspectives for Successful CEO Succession

In this review of The Next CEO, the authors' combined boardroom perspective offers a concise, experience-driven guide for boards, executives and search professionals focused on CEO succession. Shortlisted for the Business Book of the Year (International Books category) 2022, this book stands out because it condenses interviews with CEOs, C-suite members, board directors and headhunters into practical guidance that boards can act on to reduce the risk of failed transitions. The review finds the book especially useful for anyone responsible for selecting or preparing a chief executive and for organizations that want a clearer, evidence-backed succession process.

Key Features

• Interview-based evidence: Draws on real-life examples from CEOs, C-suite members and headhunters to show how succession decisions play out in practice.
• Board-focused guidance: Explains specific steps boards can take to improve odds of success when choosing a new CEO, making it actionable for directors.
• Practical lessons: Identifies common pitfalls and offers remedies that can be implemented without extensive new resources.
• Cross-stakeholder views: Balances perspectives from boards and executives to highlight alignment issues and realistic expectations.
• Concise storytelling: Uses case examples to make complex governance concepts easier to apply in real searches.

Who It's For

This book is aimed squarely at board members, chairpersons, CEOs preparing to hand over the role, and headhunters who manage executive searches. Its interview-driven approach provides concrete scenarios and lessons that are directly relevant when the board must make the single most important leadership decision.

Those who should look elsewhere include readers seeking a how-to manual on leadership development for junior managers or a general leadership primer; the book's primary focus is on CEO succession and governance, not broad leadership training.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Direct insights from multiple stakeholders give a realistic view of CEO succession dynamics.
• Practical recommendations help boards translate discussions into better selection processes.
• The shortlisted recognition signals peer and industry respect for its contribution to business literature.

Cons

• Because the book centers on board-level succession, readers seeking tactical career advice for aspiring executives may find it less applicable.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Next CEO is a focused, practical resource for boards and executive search professionals who need to improve the odds of a successful CEO transition. Its interview-backed examples and board-oriented recommendations make it good value for governance teams seeking to systematize succession decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include real examples from companies?
Yes, it is illustrated with many real-life examples drawn from interviews with CEOs, C-suite members, board directors and headhunters.

Is this book suitable for aspiring executives?
It is most useful for boards and those running CEO searches; aspiring executives may gain insight but should consult other leadership development titles for career tactics.

Was the book recognized by industry awards?
Yes, it was shortlisted for the Business Book of the Year (International Books category) in 2022.