Insight Articles | 最高経営責任者（CEO）

Before a company acquires an expensive new piece of capital equipment, the board will vigorously scrutinize assumptions, payback times and contribution to enterprise value – assigning a net present value. What if this expensive new piece of equipment is the CEO?

There is no period in a company’s history more fraught with anxiety than the months leading up to the naming of a new CEO. Often, the board is eyeing the clock while trying to nudge the CEO into a graceful exit.

Across industries, China CEOs are driving bold digital strategies. But they face tough challenges in finding the right talent and unlocking innovation in their organizations.

Virtually every CEO today must simultaneously run the organization’s traditional business and transform that business to meet the demands and opportunities of today’s customer-centric, innovation-driven world.

In contrast to the “merchant princes” who built the great retail businesses of the last century, the next-generation CEO will need to be a more skilled team builder who can create a culture of motivated collaboration.

The challenges posed by the epic turbulence in the price of oil will highlight how effective the boards of directors of different companies are in providing meaningful guidance and counsel to their CEOs.

Many businesses are keen to leverage the huge potential of the Indian market. However, gaining a successful foothold in India takes perseverance and a real effort to adapt to the nuances particular to this country.

For independent board chairmen of global companies, challenges continue to grow while room for error continues to shrink. Shareholders demand more rapid returns. Increasing regulation around the world demands exemplary corporate governance and rigorous compliance. Controversy about executive compensation has taken on new life in the context of rising income inequality.

Do you hope to become chief executive of a respected industrial company someday? Don’t assume that by vigorously applying your core strengths and learning everything there is to know about your industry you will climb the leadership ladder all the way to the C-suite.

“I wish I had known then what I know now.” That’s the frequent refrain we hear in candid conversations with a surprising number of C-level executives.