Inside the Expiring Leadership Clock
ON Partners presents new research on executive mobility, succession readiness, and how AI is reshaping leadership expectations as the timeline for executive transitions grows shorter.
94%
of executives say
AI is changing the role.
9%
are substantially
rethinking the role before hiring.
Download the report.
The executive clock is ticking faster than most boards realize. Assumptions that felt reliable eighteen months ago are losing relevance as AI reshapes what companies need from leadership at the top. This shift is outpacing succession plans and stretching internal talent pipelines beyond their capacity to keep up.
Drawing on survey data from senior leaders across public, private, and PE-backed firms, this report explores how leadership mobility, uneven AI readiness, and reactive succession planning are narrowing the window to act.
Unlock New Insights
- Why leadership mobility remains stronger than many organizations assume
- Why succession planning often starts too late, and what that means when the pressure is on
- The confidence gap when it comes to AI, including a disconnect between c-level and VP level expectations
- How AI is redefining the skills and capabilities the next generation of leaders will need
Expert Insights.
“The pace of change has outrun most organizational playbooks right now. Leaders are being asked to make high-stakes decisions with limited visibility given how quickly the technology landscape is evolving.
The organizations gaining ground aren’t waiting for a clear roadmap. They’re building with the understanding that this is a dynamic strategy.“
— Bryan Buck, Managing Partner at ON Partners
“An extended vacancy creates a credibility problem in the market. The longer a role remains unfilled, the more candidates begin to question whether the challenge lies with the business, the leadership team, or the expectations around the role.”
— Tara Flickinger, Partner at ON Partners
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