Russell Reynolds Associates: Video Series- Interview with Unilever Chairman

Russell Reynolds Associates sat down with Michael Treschow, chairman of Unilever. In the interview Michael Treschow discusses the role of the chairman in the succession process.

What is the Chairman’s role and also the board’s role in making sure the CEO has everything he or she needs to lead the company successfully?

Treschow: Each case is different, but generally, you can say you need to be close to the individual in the beginning. You need to always be available when that person needs you. And then, of course, you need to make sure that you are sensitive to how things are going. But you also have to give a lot of freedom for that individual to do his or her own things. But you need to make sure that you offer a lot of support, particularly if it’s a person who has not been a CEO before. You try to understand and help. Because it’s a big step to go from, say, number two to being a CEO.

The full interview is published on Russell Reynolds Associates’ website. Watch the full video.