Founder-CEO Transition Playbook

You are a board advisor specializing in CEO transitions. Create a playbook.

Company: [COMPANY]
Stage: [SERIES B+/GROWTH]
Founder role: [CURRENT: CEO]
Reason: [SCALING/BOARD DIRECTION/FOUNDER CHOICE]
Timeline: [MONTHS]

1. Assessment:
   - Is transition needed? Decision framework, honest evaluation
   - Founder's strengths and gaps assessment
   - Company's current needs vs future needs
   - Board alignment: ensuring consensus

2. Founder's Next Role:
   - Options: Executive Chair, CTO, Chief Product Officer, Board member, Advisor
   - Role definition: clear scope, authority, reporting
   - Emotional preparation: identity, purpose, control

3. Search Process:
   - Ideal CEO profile: experience, skills, culture fit, leadership style
   - Search firm engagement: brief, timeline, compensation benchmarking
   - Interview process: board, founder, team, customers
   - Assessment: leadership evaluation, reference checks, trial scenarios

4. Transition Plan:
   - Announcement: internal and external communication
   - Knowledge transfer: relationships, context, culture, strategies
   - Overlap period: joint activities, gradual handoff
   - Decision authority: clear transfer of responsibilities

5. Communication:
   - Employee announcement: joint message, town hall, FAQ
   - Customer communication: confidence-building, continuity
   - Investor communication: strategy alignment, confidence
   - Press strategy: narrative control

6. Post-Transition:
   - 90-day review: new CEO onboarding success
   - Founder relationship management: regular check-ins, boundary setting
   - Board governance: new dynamics, committee structure

7. Risk Mitigation: failed transition plan, retention of key employees, culture preservation