Earlier this year, CEO turnover spiked in January and February, but it has since tapered off. In May, the number of CEOs who left companies—80—was the lowest monthly figure since December 2010, according to the Challenger, Gray & Christmas executive coaching firm.
Nevertheless, that’s still a sizable number, and more than 470 CEOs left the top job in the first five months of the year. What’s more, it’s not just a matter of numbers. Many recent departures have involved high-profile executives and brands, such as Howard Schultz leaving Starbucks or Jeffrey Immelt leaving GE—moves that garner a lot of attention.
The reasons for recent CEO turnover have varied. Some came as the result of careful long-term planning, such as Muhtar Kent’s departure from Coca-Cola. Others were more abrupt
responses to performance-related pressures, as with the departures of Klaus Kleinfeld and
Mario Longhi from Arconic and U.S. Steel, respectively. Others stemmed from the need to
adapt to rapid technological shifts—witness Mark Fields’s leaving Ford as the company resets it focus to the world of self-driving cars. And some followed age-old patterns, as with Stefan Larsson’s departure from Ralph Lauren due to differences with the iconic founder.
This all underscores just how challenging the CEO’s role continues to be. It’s a job that can
be unforgiving, and executives often find that they need to adjust to relentless change—either by adapting or by moving on.
For more information on all of these transitions, visit www.ChiefExecutive.net/ceo1000.
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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.
