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
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Viewed in Egon Zehnder Executive succession is no longer an occasional governance exercise. With executives staying in role for roughly three years on average and CEO turnover accelerating, leadership teams are in constant evolution. In this context, a simple but often overlooked reality emerges: succession works best when it is treated as a continuous, human-centered… More
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Viewed in Egon Zehnder Skills fade. Hunger endures. Most hiring processes still start with a checklist — degrees, titles, and years of experience. But in today’s fast-moving world, those lists often miss the qualities that truly move companies forward: hunger, adaptability, and the will to win. The best hire isn’t always the perfect one on… More
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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
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Viewed on Egon Zehnder A decade ago, the title Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) was virtually nonexistent. Today, the CRO role appears in 4,953 org charts—roughly 6% of the medium, large companies we track—making it one of the fastest-growing executive positions, especially in the technology (35%), services (22%), and financial services (9%) sectors. This evolution isn’t… More
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Viewed in Egon Zehnder Family-controlled businesses make up 30–40% of all medium and large U.S. companies, including a third of the Fortune 500. They are essential players in nearly every industry—and for many of us, they are long-time partners, valued customers, and trusted vendors. These businesses deserve our admiration. Built on generations of vision, values,… More
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Viewed in Egon Zehnder A recent study of over 75 CEOs and BU heads across Spain, Portugal, and Italy reveals that while executive teams are largely aligned on strategy, they struggle with two critical areas: conflict resolution and time management. CEOs agree—strong leadership isn’t just about individual brilliance but cohesive, structured collaboration guided by mutual… More
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Viewed in Egon Zehnder Talent management is under pressure like never before. Companies face shrinking talent pools, rising expectations from candidates, and limited internal resources. For managers, the message is clear: the way we recruit, develop, and retain people needs to evolve—and fast. The labor shortage is real, and younger talent expects more: flexible work,… More
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The Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) has evolved from a logistics expert to a corporate strategist, steering companies through a storm of global disruptions, shifting trade policies, and digital transformation.
A recent survey of 68 CSCOs reveals the key challenges and priorities shaping the role in 2025.
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In 2025, Chief Human Ressources Officers aren’t just gatekeepers of HR—they’re stewards of transformation, balancing the now and the next.
Egon Zehnder’s conversations with 16 Australian CHROs shed light on the skills needed to navigate a world buzzing with AI, ESG, DEI, and post-pandemic challenges.
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Viewed in Egon Zehnder For VPs of Talent navigating today’s workforce complexities, reimagining talent management is essential. Here are some focused strategies for impactful, modern talent practices: Redefine Talent Pipelines: As competition for leadership intensifies, developing agile, adaptable pipelines is key. Prioritize initiatives that keep high-potential leaders engaged, like customizable career paths and targeted development… More
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Viewed in Egon Zehnder As AI reshapes the business world, its impact on organizational structures is becoming more tangible. For seasoned leaders, the key now is not just to acknowledge this shift, but to actively prepare your organization to harness the opportunities AI brings. Here are a few thoughts to consider as you shape your… More
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Viewed in Egon Zehnder Hiring the right product leader is crucial for any company’s success, but even seasoned executive recruiters can fall into common traps, leading to poor hires. Here are the top mistakes and how to avoid them according to Gowri Rao at Egon Zehnder: Overemphasis on Team Size: Recruiters often focus on candidates… More
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Viewed in Egon Zehnder When a new hire withdraws after accepting a job offer, it can disrupt business operations and damage morale. This scenario often stems from personal life changes, perceived company instability, or receiving a more attractive offer. For instance, a candidate might stay with their current employer if offered a significantly better compensation… More
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Viewed in Egon Zehnder In today’s volatile business environment, investing in senior sales leaders is crucial for organizational success. As described by the authors, senior sales leaders face unprecedented challenges such as shifting customer behaviors, inflation, talent shortages, and accelerated digitization. Evolving Sales Leadership These leaders must evolve from merely managing sales to becoming holistic… More
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Viewed in Egon Zehnder In the dynamic realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI), executive leadership teams grapple with pivotal choices regarding AI integration and deployment. Here are three key considerations proposed by the authors: Establishing AI Leadership Leaders must determine the necessity of an AI leader and define their reporting structure. While direct reporting to the… More
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Viewed in Egon Zehnder The article unveil the evolving landscape and challenges facing board directors today, emphasizing changes in their motivations, roles, and compensation. The authors highlight several key findings: Motivation Board directors are increasingly motivated by the desire to make a real impact on the boards they serve, shifting their focus from monetary rewards… More
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Explore the critical role of Chief AI Officers in modern businesses and how organizations can prepare for this emerging leadership position.
Read more...Viewed in Egon Zehnder The article by Egon Zehnder delves into the evolving role of Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) in Business-to-Business (B2B) contexts and the strategies they employ to drive success. The article highlights the transformation of B2B marketing from a support function to a strategic driver of growth. CMOs are playing a pivotal role… More
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Viewed in Egon Zehnder The article by Egon Zehnder sheds light on the evolving role of Chief Data Officers (CDOs) and their increasing importance in driving business transformation and innovation beyond data protection. CDOs are responsible for managing and protecting this critical asset, ensuring compliance with data regulations, and safeguarding against cyber threats. CDOs have… More
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