Research: Why CEOs Should Start with the New Year

Boards know the importance of careful succession planning. The benefits of a strong transition to a new CEO are obvious, but a failed succession can cost companies billions in shareholder value, be distracting and disruptive for employees, and cause other top talent to head for the door. In a new study, we discovered a way boards can help their appointees drive value: start them at the beginning of the calendar or fiscal year.