HBR Case Study: Multimillionaire Matchmaker: An Inside Look at CEO Succession Planning

This case study takes an inside look at CEO succession planning at Energy Corp. The case provides an overview of various models of succession planning, including external search, COO appointment, a horse race, and the inside$-$outside model. The case then outlines the process by which Energy Corp chooses to identify a successor. Readers of the case are expected to evaluate Energy Corp's effectiveness, and discuss the various risks of succession planning and how they can be mitigated.

Read the case and prepare a four$-$to$-$five page summary of the success and failure of Energy Corp$$s succession planning process.