CEO succession planning.
We work with Boards to minimise risk, enhance CEO effectiveness, and align leadership with organisational values.
At Luminary, we view CEO succession as strategic and long-term, tightly linked to your organisational objectives. A thoughtful succession plan avoids unnecessary turnover, ensures continuity, and strengthens organisational performance.
Our contemporary CEO succession methodology combines experience, insight, and data to achieve internal equity, external competitiveness, and leadership continuity.
A Long-term, Multifaceted Approach
Identifying and developing internal CEO successors is a process that often takes years. Ideally, succession planning begins as soon as a new CEO is appointed. When that’s not possible, starting sooner rather than later is essential.
An effective plan fosters collaboration between directors, management, and potential internal successors, while giving the Board time to build a complementary and supportive executive team.
Our approach
Typically, we work with Boards to advise on three key components:
1. CEO Successor Role Requirements
Align with your Leadership Capability Framework
Advise on the latest CEO recruitment and selection best practices
Create a future CEO success profile tailored to your organisation
2. Luminary CEO Successor Attribute Assessment (L-CAR®)
Incorporate your Leadership Capability Framework and agreed leadership behaviours
Review and refine your CEO Position Description
Co-develop our proprietary Luminary Competency Assessment Ranking (L-CAR®) to guide selection
3. CEO Succession Planning Readiness Chart
Provide a snapshot of CEO successor assessments
Focus on developing one to three potential successors with a planned readiness strategy adaptable to mid- and long-term scenarios
Consider internal talent while benchmarking confidentially against external options
Highlight bench strength, talent risks, and development priorities to ensure organisational sustainability
Insight, Science, and Experience
Succession planning is a Board responsibility — not management’s — and should be reviewed periodically. The best outcomes come from collaboration with both the CEO and your management team.
Our CEO succession planning approach is rigorous, structured, and evidence-based, integrating data, science, and human insight. At a time when attracting, nurturing, and retaining chief executive talent is more critical than ever, our methodology ensures your Board has the clarity and confidence to make high-stakes decisions.
By partnering with Luminary, your Board gains a trusted advisor to navigate complexity, reduce risk, and secure the right leadership fit for now and the future.
Trusted by Boards and Chief Executives
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Director-General, Queensland Government
“Jon’s professionalism and insight ensured the perfect alignment between candidate aspirations and board requirement. It’s a true testament to Luminary’s thoughtful, strategic approach.”
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Chief Executive Officer, Community Sector
“Jane’s professionalism and depth of understanding brought real clarity and confidence to the process; a strong demonstration of Luminary’s governance expertise.”
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Executive Group Manager, Local Government
“Kerry’s professionalism and support throughout a complex senior appointment reflected Luminary’s precision and partnership.”
