COO → CEO Readiness Audit

“COOs have the highest CEO succession rate of any CXO — 32% of new CEOs served as COO immediately prior.”

— C-suite route to CEO research, 2024

The COO role is the ultimate CEO proving ground — but operational excellence alone won't get you there. Vision, board relationships, and external presence are the differentiators.

Average path: 2–5 years from COO to CEO · Very high — the most natural feeder role

Takes 3 minutes · 10 dimensions · Personalised gap analysis

01External-Facing Leadership

02Vision & Strategy

03Investor & Capital

04Brand & Market

05Innovation & Disruption

06Talent Strategy &

07Board & Governance

08Public Profile &

09Customer & Market

10Digital & Technology