The HBR Guide to CEO Transitions

On Monday, April 20, 2026, Apple announced that Tim Cook will step down as CEO in September and serve as executive chairman of the board of directors. John Ternus, current senior vice president of hardware engineering, will take on the job that Cook has held for nearly 15 years, ushering in a new era for the iconic company. The CEO transition is a notoriously delicate moment for companies. For S&P 1500 companies, a badly managed transition can cost $1 trillion per year. A succession failure can cause an exodus of senior talent and substantial reputational harm to both the company and the leaders involved in the decision. Cautionary tales from firms such as Disney, Starbucks, and General Electric illustrate that no company is too big or too successful to stumble in the CEO handoff. So, how can CEOs (incoming and outgoing), boards, and senior leaders prepare for this high-stakes transition—and set themselves and their organizations up for success? They can start by understanding the most pivotal moments during the process, and what it takes to succeed during each. This reading list can help. Laying the Groundwork Beware the Transition from an Iconic CEO by Elena Lytkina Botelho, Shoma Hayden and BJ Wright Boards that apply seven practices proactively and consistently are in the best position to excel. (February 2023) Choose the Right CEO for Volatile Times by Claudius A. Hildebrand, Kate Hurley and Giovanna Galli Don’t play it too safe. (September-October 2025) The Benefits—and Challenges—of an Insider CEO by Adi Ignatius There are new CEOs at Walmart, Target, Disney, and Kroger—and three of the four are seasoned insiders who have been promoted into the role. (February 2026) . . . The Initial Transition What New CEOs Should Ask Themselves in Their First 100 Days by Paul Griggs and Paul Leinwand Questions to help you build a strong foundation of trust, alignment, and enthusiasm. (August 2025) Inside the First Year as a CEO by Ty Wiggins and Rebecca Davies Lessons from 35 CEOs on planning, executing, and navigating the transition. (August 2024) Power, Influence, and CEO Succession by Dan Ciampa and Adam Bryant How the board, the incumbent, and the new leader can ensure a successful transfer of authority. (July–August 2024) How New CEOs Establish Legitimacy by Nitin Nohria CEOs who achieve legitimacy have a higher level of trust and influence. This legitimacy will be gained by consistently demonstrating specific behaviors. (June 2023) How to Succeed Quickly in a New Role by Rob Cross, Greg Pryor and David Sylvester Five ways to build a strategic network. (November–December 2021) . . . Sustaining Success The Best CEOs Can Spot Where Their Organization Is Under the Greatest Pressure by Luis Velasquez The difference between a good CEO and a great one is knowing which front is on fire today and which will be tomorrow. (October 2025) Why the Second Year as CEO Is the Hardest by Ty Wiggins The first year is about surviving the transition; the second is about proving the bets you made were right. (October 2025) How CEOs Hone and Harness Their Intuition by Laura Huang Your gut feeling is a strategic skill you can develop. (July 2025) How Insider CEOs Succeed Advice from those who’ve done it. (March–April 2020) . . . If You’re Tim Cook The Vital Role of the Outgoing CEO by Rebecca Slan Jerusalim and Navio Kwok Everybody focuses on what the new boss needs to do. But what the departing one does can make all the difference. (July–August 2024)

The HBR Guide to CEO Transitions

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