CEO succession planning is a critical board responsibility — and a big challenge. According to Dr. Julie Bell, director, leadership advisory at Chartwell Partners, boards can follow a five-step process to ensure an orderly, informed succession planning process. That process includes nailing down a timeline, evaluating the candidates and coming up with a coaching plan to close any skills gaps in a would-be successor.

• Identifying Candidates
• Conducting Assessments
• Coaching Successors