From Scientist To CEO
April 22, 2025
We’ve all heard of companies with two CEOs. In fact Chief Executive recently explored companies that are run by executive duos.
But how many CEOs are too many?
According to Bloomberg, China’s largest phone equipment manufacturer, Huawei Technologies Co., is pushing the envelope by relying on 4 CEOs. The plan keeps founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei in the C-suite, but will add 3 additional rotating co-CEOs. Each co-CEO will have a 6 month shift.
Of his leadership plan Ren said, “By authorizing a group of ‘bright’ minds to act as rotating and action CEOs, the company allows them to make decisions within certain boundaries while they face a constantly changing world. As they seek harmony in diversity, they can help the company adapt quickly to changes in the environment. They make decisions collectively, which avoids corporate rigidity.”
It seems that this plan is a form of succession planning, as Ren has been treated for cancer twice in 8 years, but will four CEOs be too many? What happens when the co-CEOs disagree with each other? Does the “current” CEO have final say? Does majority rule?
It seems that it could get complicated in Huawei’s C-suite.
Read: Huawei Founder Ren Splits CEO Role With Rotating Panel
Read: Two for the Road
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
0
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.