Succession: Planning Tips (not from the HBO series)

Succession Planning is important but not the Plan

Succession planning is one of the most important challenges organizations face but can be the least straightforward on how to effectively plan for it based on constantly moving targets. There is a plethora of different scenarios that impact how a company plans for succession. Some common examples include promotions of high performers to varying levels, identification of leaders who are approaching retirement, or even advance preparation for replacing key executives due to outside circumstances.  Or maybe a colleague decided to start their own company, and the natural successor is going with them? Suddenly, instead of a year to think through a transition, you have a fraction of that time. Each situation has its own nuances and requires a specific approach for a successful and smooth transition.


Key Factors in Succession Planning

Succession planning requires, well, a lot of planning. While some believe only CEOs and Board Members need to prepare for succession, most organizations require managers to identify and develop team members as future leaders for a smooth transition. What we all know about succession planning is that it is fluid and will constantly change. With this understanding, rather than trying to solve all the details of a succession plan, consider adopting two main practices as you go through the initial planning process and future updates to the plan.

 

  1. Understand Your Timeline: This phase represents a crucial aspect of the succession planning process, as it addresses a key question: when will an individual be deemed prepared or invited to advance within the organizational hierarchy? Furthermore, it necessitates consideration of the broader ramifications resulting from the promotion's cascading effect on other individuals and functional areas. In such instances, the implementation of strategies becomes indispensable to effectively navigate both predictable and unpredictable timelines. 
  2. Embrace Flexibility: As we all know, change is the only constant in business and life. It's often evident that as people continue to grow and develop, their roles and responsibilities evolve over time as well. As a result, replacing tenured individuals can prove to be an incredibly challenging endeavor. It’s imperative to contemplate redefining certain roles and exploring short-term compensation solutions. Embracing flexibility both within the organizational chart and the scope of responsibilities can set you up for an effective leadership transition.


Once you have a comprehensive understanding of your designated timeline and have meticulously analyzed the areas of the role that possess potential adaptability, you are now ready to develop your strategy for succession.


Identifying and Developing Succession Candidates

The timeline sets the structure of a successful leadership transition strategy.  The three timeframes are short-term (between 6-12 months), mid-range (1-2 years), and an unknown timeline. Depending on the scenario you are dealing with, your prospective candidate pool and the skillsets you require for eligibility will vary.

 Identifying and Developing Succession Candidates

The timeline sets the structure of a successful leadership transition strategy. The three timeframes are short-term (between 6-12 months), mid-range (1-2 years), and an unknown timeline. Depending on the scenario you are dealing with, your prospective candidate pool and the skillsets you require for eligibility will vary.


Short-Term Succession Timeline

Picture this: You're a director at a mid-size company, and the CEO just gave you the great news that you've been identified as a successor for a VP role in another area of the business. The catch: you are responsible for your replacement, but your transition into the VP role won’t occur for another 9 months. 


To address this situation, companies often adopt a flexible approach toward title and compensation in the short term to ensure the acquisition of a suitable successor. 


Back to the example - If there’s no obvious internal successor, you’ll probably need to conduct an external search where the candidate would be ready for the Director from Day 1, despite having nine months left in the seat. If you hire a Manager under your Director title, there’s a risk they might not be prepared for the Director role in the given time-period or view the move as purely lateral. However, you don’t have the budget to bring on another Director level compensation to your team and anything less will probably not be sufficient to attract a candidate from a similar position. To fill the position for today (and more importantly for succession), the following measures can be implemented:

  • Be open about the promotion timeline during the recruitment process so lateral hires understand the true hiring goal.
  • On their first day, consider reallocating a portion of the organizational chart to them to avoid underutilization. Additionally, assign them important projects as individual contributors that you have been unable to complete due to time constraints. Create a business case to bring the candidate over with a Director title, along with the commensurate compensation level. Even though you may not have initially planned the budget for this, the incremental compensation would only be for a short-term period and would help you place a high-caliber leader in the position immediately.


Mid-Range Succession Timeline

Okay, so you have some time to plan. 


Within a timeline ranging from 1 to 2 years, you can strategize for upcoming successions in a more gradual and organic manner. During this timeframe, it’s crucial to allocate sufficient time for introspection and delve into thoughtful contemplation about your existing team. By asking probing questions, you can effectively identify key contributors who possess the potential to become ideal successors. Some questions you can ask include: How is the team performing under the current leadership? Where do they excel? Where is there room for improvement? Who takes the initiative to solve problems, and who asks insightful questions? When considering an ideal successor, what qualities or key attributes should they possess? 


There are certain specific characteristics to seek in individuals when assessing your team for potential leadership roles. As stated in a Harvard Business Review article focusing on leadership development, the presence of four essential qualities—curiosity, insight, engagement, and determination—indicates the potential for leadership. Individuals exhibiting these traits can be nurtured for senior positions through suitable coaching and support.


To ensure effective succession planning during recruitment:


  • Avoid over-committing in the recruiting process. While discussing potential succession can be appealing to candidates, refrain from making promises or hiring individuals who may feel discontented if they are not promoted soon after joining if an opportunity arises.
  • Clearly communicate the timeline to prevent overselling future opportunities.
  • Ensure you hire candidates at an appropriate level that aligns with their potential for upper leadership roles.
  • Manage the corporate hierarchy carefully. Hiring multiple directors reporting to the same person can create competition and potential discontent. Instead, hire individuals at various levels, with differing role scopes and salary grades, to prevent bottlenecks and foster a broader talent pool. 


The Mystery Timeline

Consider this scenario: your company’s CFO is probably going to retire in the next few years, but it has never been announced. As of right now, there isn’t an obvious internal successor for the CFO position. How do you recruit an external candidate to join your company with succession as a main objective when you can’t commit to a timeline for them? 


There are several challenges in this situation. You need a candidate who is ready now for the CFO role (the retirement announcement could be any day!). You are likely asking them to take a temporary demotion in title or leave their current organization where the timing of their next promotion could be well known. Why would a candidate be interested? 


A better question to ask: How do you find the candidates who will be interested? Look for CFOs who are coming from: 

  • A smaller or less complex organization than yours, but they are ready for the next level of challenge.
  • A larger organization where there is a bottleneck for moving to the next level and your organization provides a clearer path to promotion.


In some cases, the wise move might be to act on the succession plan sooner rather than later. Rather than having the incumbent retire from the company ahead of their own timeline, have them take on another role that is valuable to the company but provides you the opportunity to promote a quality team member internally. This solution retains your talent pipeline, shows your organization that you want to hire from within, and provides a smoother transition because the outgoing CFO is still in the company to provide guidance based on expertise and institutional knowledge.


Flexibility Is the Key

Whether it’s flexibility with your timeline, the willingness to remain open-minded about the org chart, scope of responsibility, or compensation, the ability to pivot quickly when succession is at stake is an asset. For example, if your company has a “unicorn” CFO (they have taken on additional responsibility that is unique to their interests and skillsets but wouldn’t normally be found in another CFO candidate), it may be extremely difficult to find someone who has direct experience fulfilling all the roles your tenured executive does. Adjusting the scope of responsibilities for the new CFO to be closer to the typical functional role is a great way to increase your flexibility and help speed up your hiring process for succession. 


Instead of expending valuable time and resources trying to find another needle in the haystack executive, focus on hiring someone who can do 80% of the responsibilities and spread the other 20% to people already in place who have the proper skillsets. 


Succession planning is a complex topic without a strict roadmap. However, it should be a consideration whenever you recruit and hire for your company. Each new manager, director, or executive should be evaluated as a potential candidate for upward mobility within your organization. Having individuals on the team with the potential for advancement is advantageous for everyone. They can learn directly from senior leadership and potentially take over their roles in the future. This ensures that if a sudden need for succession arises, there are already knowledgeable individuals in the pipeline. Proactive planning can help you avoid the consequences of a last-minute hire or promotion that proves to be unsuccessful. Even if you have six months to work toward a succession transition instead of a year or two, embracing flexibility and knowing what to look for will ultimately set you up for success as you look to find a new leader. 

By Effie Zimmerman June 23, 2026
Group Vice President ABOUT THE COMPANY The E-J Group is active in all facets of electrical contracting, bringing experience, expertise, and a national reputation to projects that range in size up to more than $900 million. With over 4,000 employees across 32 offices nationwide, E-J delivers full-service electrical solutions for mission critical / data centers, rail systems, transit facilities, office buildings, hospitals, power generation, substations, transmission and distribution, renewables, co-generation facilities, roadway and outdoor specialty work, airports, industrial facilities, chip plants, universities, sports stadiums, extra high voltage distribution, utility, and gas infrastructure. At E-J, three generations of family expertise have built an organization that combines practical knowledge with modern technological innovation, providing rapid and efficient solutions for today’s lighting, power, energy, and communication needs. E-J has a 127-year reputation for integrity, quality, and exceptional service in the electrical field. To learn more, visit www.ej1899.com . POSITION SUMMARY The Group Vice President will oversee and manage all operational aspects of this $750 million group of business units spread across multiple states. The responsibilities will encompass strategic planning, process optimization, and ensuring efficient day-to-day operations as well as growing staff and development of people. With a focus on continuous improvement, you will drive operational excellence, fostering a culture of innovation and productivity. Travel at least 40% of any given month to cover the needs of a national electrical contractor, reporting directly to the Executive Vice President responsible for both local and national management. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Operational Leadership Lead and oversee operations across multiple divisions, regions, and business units nationwide. Develop and execute operational strategies that align with the company's growth objectives, financial goals, and customer commitments. Establish operational standards, performance metrics, and accountability systems to drive consistency and excellence across all divisions. Monitor project execution, productivity, labor utilization, scheduling, quality, and customer satisfaction. Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, scalability, and profitability. Financial Performance Maintain full P&L accountability for assigned divisions and operational business units. Partner with division leadership to develop annual budgets, forecasts, and strategic growth plans. Monitor key financial metrics, including revenue, gross margin, EBITDA, backlog, cash flow, and working capital. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, project margins, and return on investment. Review major project performance and implement corrective actions where necessary. Strategic Growth Support corporate growth initiatives, including geographic expansion, acquisitions, and new market development. Collaborate with business development and estimating teams to ensure strategic pursuit of opportunities aligned with organizational objectives. Participate in acquisition due diligence, integration planning, and operational alignment of acquired businesses. Evaluate market trends, competitive positioning, and emerging technologies impacting the electrical construction industry. Safety and Risk Management Champion a world-class safety culture throughout the organization. Ensure compliance with all OSHA, regulatory, and company safety standards. Partner with safety leadership to establish proactive risk mitigation strategies. Review incident trends and implement programs that reduce risk exposure and improve safety performance. Talent Development and Organizational Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop business unit leaders, regional leaders, operations leaders, and senior operational personnel. Build succession plans for critical leadership positions throughout the organization. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and high performance. Support recruiting, retention, workforce planning, and leadership development initiatives. Promote employee engagement and organizational culture across all regions. Operational Excellence Drive standardization of processes, systems, project controls, reporting, and operational best practices. Leverage technology and data analytics to improve decision-making and operational visibility. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across divisions. Lead enterprise initiatives related to productivity improvement, innovation, prefabrication, workforce optimization, and project delivery excellence. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 10+ years of experience in operations management with a preference for experience in commercial electrical contracting, specialty construction, or related industries. Demonstrated success leading multiple business units, divisions, or regions with significant revenue responsibility. Preference for experience managing large-scale commercial, industrial, mission-critical, and civil construction projects. Proven track record of driving profitable growth, operational improvement, and organizational development. Experience leading senior-level teams in a multi-location environment. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans Strong leadership and team management skills Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work independently and as part of a team Experience in budgeting and financial management Knowledge of supply chain management Ability to solve problems and make decisions quickly Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Advantages of Working at E-J: Leading Electrical Contracting Organization Nationally Oldest family-owned and operated electrical contractor since 1899 Job training and mentorship Supportive Management Team Rewarding project experience Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401 (k) plan Paid holidays and vacation Merit-Based Bonus History of employment longevity The E-J Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by EJ Electric to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Nicole Brady at 503-699-0184 or via email at nicole@180one.com .
By Greg Togni June 8, 2026
For much of the last decade, executive hiring was closely tied to expansion. Growing companies added new business units, entered new markets, launched digital initiatives, and created leadership roles to support growth. Today, the picture looks markedly different. While demand for senior leadership remains strong, a growing share of executive hiring is being driven by replacement rather than expansion. Across industries, boards and leadership teams are increasingly focused on succession planning, retirement-related transitions, and upgrading leadership capabilities to meet rapidly evolving business demands. In many organizations, the question is no longer, "What new leadership roles do we need?" Instead, it has become, "Do we have the right leaders for the future we are building?" Several converging trends are driving this shift. A Wave of Leadership Turnover Leadership turnover continues to accelerate across public and private companies. According to research cited by Harvard Business Review, CEO succession rates reached 12.5% in 2025, up significantly from 9.8% the prior year. At the same time, more than 2,000 CEO departures were recorded in the United States, reflecting one of the most active succession environments in recent decades. Boards are also becoming more willing to look externally for leadership talent. Recent data show that 44% of CEO appointments among S&P 1500 companies came from outside the organization, a level near a 25-year high. This growing willingness to seek external leadership reflects a broader reality: many organizations believe that the skills required for the next phase of growth may not be fully represented within their current leadership teams. The Retirement Factor Is Becoming Impossible to Ignore Demographics are creating another powerful force behind replacement hiring. Large numbers of Baby Boomers continue to exit the workforce, creating leadership gaps across industries. While retirement timing varies by sector and geography, organizations are increasingly confronting the loss of decades of institutional knowledge and leadership experience. Many companies spent the past several years postponing succession discussions while navigating economic uncertainty, inflation, and labor market disruption. As a result, some organizations are now facing a compressed timeline to identify and develop the next generation of leaders. The challenge extends beyond simply filling vacancies. In many cases, companies are discovering that there are fewer experienced leaders available than expected, particularly in specialized industries where leadership pipelines have not kept pace with retirements. Evidence of these pressures is appearing across both public and private sectors as organizations report increasing difficulty replacing highly experienced senior talent. From Replacement to Upgrade Not all replacement hiring is driven by turnover. An increasingly common scenario involves organizations replacing leaders who are performing adequately but lack the capabilities required for future business needs. Economic uncertainty has made many organizations cautious about adding headcount. Instead of creating new executive positions, boards are asking whether existing leadership structures are optimized for growth, profitability, and transformation. Recruiters and talent advisors report a significant increase in confidential replacement searches, particularly for leadership positions impacted by AI, digital transformation, operational efficiency, and changing customer expectations. Rather than expanding leadership teams, organizations are investing in stronger leadership capability within existing roles. This represents a meaningful shift from previous cycles. Historically, executive hiring often accompanied organizational growth. Today, many leadership searches are designed to improve execution, accelerate transformation, or close capability gaps. AI Is Raising the Leadership Bar Artificial intelligence is emerging as one of the strongest drivers of leadership upgrades. Boards increasingly expect executives to understand not only their functional disciplines but also how AI will reshape business models, workflows, workforce planning, customer engagement, and competitive advantage. Organizations are reassessing leadership teams through a new lens: adaptability. Leaders are being evaluated on their ability to navigate technological disruption, lead workforce transformation, make data-driven decisions, and build organizations capable of operating in a rapidly changing environment. Companies across industries are investing heavily in AI capabilities and adjusting talent strategies accordingly. As a result, many executive searches today are less about filling a vacancy and more about acquiring capabilities that did not exist as leadership requirements even a few years ago. What Corporate Leaders Should Be Thinking About The implications for boards, CEOs, and CHROs are significant. Organizations that treat leadership succession as an occasional event may find themselves competing for scarce talent at precisely the moment they need continuity and stability. Meanwhile, companies that regularly assess leadership capabilities against future business requirements will be better positioned to navigate both retirements and transformation. The most successful organizations are no longer viewing succession planning and executive hiring as separate activities. They are treating both as part of a broader leadership strategy focused on future readiness. The executive hiring market in 2026 remains active, but the underlying motivation has changed. For many organizations, the priority is not adding more leaders. It is ensuring they have the right leaders for what comes next.
BASCO
By Effie Zimmerman June 1, 2026
President ABOUT THE COMPANY Dating all the way back to 1878, BASCO's parent company, founded by the Cronin Family, began its long-lasting legacy. Now a fifth-generation family-operated business, BASCO has built an exceptional reputation by combining industry-leading products, expert customer guidance, and an unwavering commitment to service. With showroom locations in Portland’s Pearl District, Lake Oswego, and Bend, along with an Outlet Store, BASCO delivers a highly differentiated customer experience through interactive appliance displays, knowledgeable professionals, and a curated portfolio of more than 60 premium appliance brands, including Viking, Thermador, Dacor, Miele, and Wolf-Sub Zero-Cove. BASCO is the trusted appliance partner for discerning homeowners, luxury remodel projects, and the building community serving the upper-end residential market throughout the Pacific Northwest. POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the CEO and the Board of Directors, the President will lead the organization into its next phase while preserving the culture, reputation, and customer-first values that have defined BASCO for generations. This executive will provide strategic and operational leadership across the business, strengthen organizational performance, develop high-performing teams, and continue elevating BASCO’s position as the region’s premier luxury appliance retailer. The President will provide leadership and oversight across all major functional areas of the business, including operations, purchasing and supplier relationships, product delivery, customer service, finance, human resources, and marketing/communications. The Ideal Candidate will possess the following skills: Proven ability to attract, develop, engage, and retain high-performing team members while building a strong, collaborative organizational culture Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to effectively delegate, influence, and collaborate across all functional areas to drive productivity and operational excellence Thoughtful and confident leader with a growth mindset, sound judgment, and the ability to make strategic and timely decisions Strong financial and business acumen with a clear understanding of key business drivers and the ability to effectively leverage organizational resources to achieve strategic and operational objectives CORE RESPONSIBILITIES Review and enhance organizational effectiveness by improving processes, fostering a highly engaged work environment, and implementing operational improvements Develop, implement, and manage annual budgets and resource allocation plans Continuously evaluate and improve operational efficiency and overall financial performance Deliver the financial objectives established by senior leadership and the Board of Directors Partner with operational leaders to establish, track, and achieve key performance metrics and KPIs Identify and implement effective solutions to business challenges, including customer concerns, profitability issues, employee relations matters, and competitive pressures Collaborate closely with the Sales Team to consistently deliver an exceptional customer experience Champion customer loyalty by ensuring a consistently high level of service and delivering commitments with integrity and responsiveness Recruit, onboard, develop, and retain high-performing talent aligned with the company’s business objectives and culture Inspire and motivate team members to achieve and exceed goals by establishing clear accountability, defining performance expectations, setting high standards, and providing ongoing coaching and feedback QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field required; advanced degree or graduate-level education preferred Proven executive leadership experience with full P&L responsibility, ideally within a retail, multi-location, distribution, or related operating environment Demonstrated success leading diverse functional areas and large teams while building strong cross-functional relationships that drive collaboration and results Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to balance long-term objectives and day-to-day operational demands Excellent communication, collaboration, and delegation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization Proven ability to develop, manage, and execute financial plans, budgets, and performance objectives Broad business acumen with a strong understanding of key organizational functions, including finance, operations, human resources, procurement, and sales Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to leverage data and insights to support sound business decisions Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by BASCO to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Nicole Brady at 503-699-0184 or via email at nicole@180one.com .
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