Succession in the C-suite is a sensitive subject. A founder who came up with the original idea for a business will often, understandably, feel attached to it. But as a company evolves and alongside changing consumer trends and different economic contexts, they may not always be the best person to take it forward.
Whether the torch at the top of a business is passed or taken will depend on the circumstances. A new CEO who replaces a popular and successful founder can do so cordially as the company benefits from a fresh perspective or expertise. When a CEO is parachuted in to take over from a founder who was facing problems, the succession process might be more complicated. Sometimes, founder-CEOs can stay on in some capacity “upstairs”, but this option comes with conditions or caveats.