Content: In this engaging and interactive session, we will explore the factors for consideration when evaluating whether the CEO may need to be replaced, and the mechanics for doing so. A business will not be sustainable if it is saddled with a CEO that is no longer a good fit for the organization. We explore best practices for dealing with this extremely sensitive, people related problem.

The Nominating Committee is a key board committee, not a poor cousin, as it is tasked with ensuring that the board has the appropriate composition for leading the organization in a world of VUCA - volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.

We explore the role and function of the Nominating Committee in relation to board succession, and specifically areas they need to consider, such as independence of mind and behaviour, and ensuring the right mix of skills. We look at the purpose and value of the board skills matrix and consider how to determine what types of skills and attributes should be included.

We will also look at the mechanics of board director succession, such as how to replace a vacancy on the existing board, including adherence to term limits/fixed terms. Ideas on how to create a framework that ensures objective recruitment of individuals with the right skills and attributes and delivers all diversities, particularly cognitive diversity.  

An effective Nominating Committee negates the need for and influence of shadow directors, which is problematic in relation to accountability and decision making.

Outcomes and Benefits: Participants will gain a strong appreciation of what succession planning should look like at the apex of their organization. Understand what the right questions are to ask to assess whether the existing leadership is fit for purpose, and what to do when changes are necessary.

Areas Covered     

• Purpose of a Board
• Qualities and Attributes of a Successful Board
• The Symbiotic Relationship between Board and its key stakeholders
• The Chair as a leader
• The Board as a Team – Roles, Dynamics, Behaviours
• Defining Succession Planning
• The Importance of Human Capital
• Role of the Nominations Committee in Succession Planning
• Succession Planning for the CEO
• Succession Planning for Board Members
• Developing Leadership for a Sustainable Future
  

Course Level- Intermediate

Who Should Attend    

Corporate Board Directors, Board Chair, CEO, C-Level Executives, Corporate Governance/Risk/Compliance Professionals, Board Secretary, Corporate Secretary

Why Should You Attend

Summary/Purpose: One of the key challenges facing any organization, irrespective of industry or size is ensuring that they have the human capital, to ensure effective performance that will support the leadership to deliver ongoing sustainable success.

It is important to review your leadership team to assess whether you have the right all round capabilities, particularly for the CEO or equivalent, who is required to lead the organization in accordance with its strategic vision.

Creating a balanced, creative and entrepreneurial Board requires a considerable degree of forward planning and talent management. Equally the board of directors will need regular reviews and periodic refresh to ensure that the mix of skills and attributes reflects the strategic vision and the constantly changing environment in which business operates.

Effective performance of a board requires appropriate leadership, composition and independence to optimize its ability to deliver informed decision making and clarity on risks.  An effective board can lead the organization forward into an uncertain future with confidence.

Benefits: Participants will gain a strong appreciation of what succession planning should look like at the apex of their organization. Understand what the right questions are to ask to assess whether the existing leadership is fit for purpose, and what to do when changes are necessary.

Delegates will be better informed and more skilled regarding the role and value of the Board Nominating Committee and see the significance of creating a framework that ensures the right people are appointed at the right time.

All the learning will support every director and board to lead their organization forward to a sustainable future.

Topic Background    

How to create a succession plan for the Board and the CEO that ensures the organization has the right leadership in place to build a sustainable and successful future.