Viewed in Spencer Stuart Insights Most executives know the roles of Secretary and Company Secretary. Far fewer know the Board Secretary, a governance role that is quietly emerging in many of the world’s largest organizations. This evolution reflects a broader trend highlighted in Spencer Stuart’s latest research. As boards devote more attention to long-term value… More
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The experience trap
Viewed in Egon Zehnder insights Many boards still begin succession discussions the same way: “Let’s find someone who has already done the job.” It sounds rational. It feels safe. But in today’s environment, proven experience can become a trap. Why? Because markets, technologies, regulation, talent expectations, and AI are changing faster than old playbooks can… More
Read more...AI makes human leadership more valuable
Viewed in Heidrick & Struggles Insights AI is getting better at analysis, reporting, coordination, and automation. Fast. And you can increasingly see it in org charts. AI, data, and technology roles are moving up. But so are roles connected to people, transformation, governance, culture, and trust. The organizations moving fastest with AI are not removing… More
Read more...The CFO role is expanding and the stakes are rising
Viewed in Russell Reynolds CFO turnover reached a seven-year high in 2025. Russell Reynolds Associates recorded 316 new CFO appointments globally, including a record 106 in the S&P 500. Departures remained elevated, and in the FTSE 100 average tenure fell below five years. This is not instability. It reflects a role that has expanded significantly… More
Read more...US CEO turnover accelerates and organizations adapt
Viewed in Spencer Stuart Leadership transitions at the top of listed companies are accelerating and, these changes propagate through the organization. When a CEO changes, reporting lines shift, strategy is refined, capital allocation priorities move, and the ripple effects reach far beyond the C-suite. In 2025, that ripple effect was particularly visible. A total of… More
Read more...AI skills in leadership: The new differentiator
Viewed in Egon Zehnder AI is reshaping industries, business models, and customer expectations. But success doesn’t hinge on the tech. The real make-or-break is leadership readiness: do your leaders have the skills to set direction, mobilize people, and embed AI into the culture? Why it matters Leaders without AI fluency misallocate resources, miss opportunities, and… More
Read more...Actionable insights: preserving c-suite emotional energy
Viewed in Spencer Stuart The demands on senior executives are unrelenting. Beyond strategy and performance, the C-Suite operates under constant scrutiny while carrying responsibility that cannot easily be delegated. Tenure is shortening, and the risk of burnout is real. Protecting emotional energy is no longer optional — it is essential for sound judgment and sustainable… More
Read more...C-Suite shake-up: how to sell smarter in the new power structure
The C-suite is evolving, with Fortune 500 companies increasing top leadership roles by 23% (from 6.7 to 8.2 executives per company) between 2018 and 2023.
As executives take on broader responsibilities especially in data, AI, compliance, and customer strategy, enterprise sales leaders face both challenges and opportunities.
Read more...Should a CEO’s direct reports shape strategy beyond the CEO’s goals?
The top leadership team’s role isn’t just to execute the CEO’s goals—it’s to optimize the enterprise’s ability to succeed.
CEOs often conflate the team’s purpose with hitting targets like increasing sales or cutting costs, but its unique mission lies in balancing ambition with pragmatism.
Read more...Do you really need a Chief AI Officer?
Viewed in Russell Reynolds For C-suite leaders considering a Chief AI Officer (CAIO), it’s worth weighing how this role could best align with your AI ambitions. A CAIO can be transformative, especially if AI is central to driving your growth or reshaping products. But in some cases, AI leadership might be more effective within existing… More
Read more...How can leaders thrive amid uncertainty?
Vievew in Heidrick & Struggle In today’s fast-paced, unpredictable world, leadership looks a little different. To help organizations thrive in 2025, there are five essential qualities leaders can focus on. Think of these not as rigid rules but as guiding lights to navigate the challenges and make a positive impact. Envision the Future, Deliver Today:… More
Read more...Cybersecurity: The CEO’s playbook for proactive defense
Viewed in BCG The article stresses the urgent need for CEOs to prioritize cybersecurity as a critical business issue. With increasing regulations and sophisticated cyber threats, CEOs can no longer delegate cybersecurity solely to IT departments. Key actions for CEOs include ensuring the organization is prepared for potential cyber attacks, understanding the financial and reputational… More
Read more...The rise of government affairs leaders in executive ranks
Viewed in Russell Reynolds In today’s turbulent geopolitical climate, effective government affairs leadership is critical. Russell Reynolds Associates’ research highlights the shifting perspectives of 55 government affairs leaders, revealing the need for strategic, proactive approaches to manage risks and guide organizations. Government affairs leaders emphasize the importance of being proactive on global issues, understanding the… More
Read more...Strategies for building trust in the C-Suite
Viewed in Russell Reynolds Emma Combes and Dee Symons discuss the crucial role of trust within the C-suite and provide four actionable strategies for CEOs to cultivate an environment of trust among their top executives: Foster Inclusive and Transparent Leadership Rather than promoting competition and tension, CEOs should unite their team by sharing information with… More
Read more...Are your leadership prepared for the future?
Viewed in Russell Reynolds Succession planning is crucial for the success of an organization and should be a key focus for C-suite leaders and boards. However, many organizations are not taking a formal and proactive approach to succession planning, which creates strategic risks. Russell Reynolds Associates’ Global Leadership Monitor identified three common failings in succession… More
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