How we future-proofed CEO and EVP succession

How we future-proofed CEO and EVP succession

Challenge

A $15-billion national transportation company needed a structured chief executive officer (CEO) and executive vice president (EVP) succession pipeline to support its operational transformation. Traditionally focused on internal development, the organization recognized a need for rigorous processes to identify, assess, and prepare leaders with expanded capabilities.

Solution

As a new partner, RHR began by understanding the company’s culture and strategic needs. RHR created customized The Winning Formula® profiles for the CEO and EVP roles, which were shaped by board input from board members and executive leaders.

After finalizing the profiles, RHR assessed internal EVP and CEO candidates and provided each with a targeted development plan. A 12-month coaching program was launched to strengthen critical leadership skills and ensure readiness for future roles. 

Results

The program gave the board and executive team clear insights into their leadership pipeline, which enabled targeted internal progression and selective external hiring. 100% of leaders found the assessments insightful and relevant for development, which reduced the reliance on external hires and one-off training and drove efficiency and growth within the organization.

• Internal development: RHR’s commitment to quality (100% of leaders agreed) enabled several candidates to be promoted or gain lateral experiences through ongoing coaching.

• Cost savings: RHR’s solution enabled the organization to reduce spending on external recruitment.

• Leadership pipeline expansion: With 93% of leaders recommending RHR’s services, the program now extends to vice-president-level leaders to prepare them for future executive roles.

This initiative has strengthened the company’s leadership pipeline by establishing a future-ready cohort of executives to lead in a dynamic environment.