A recent Witt/Kieffer survey of hospital and health system CEOs found that many are putting off retirement because of the economic downturn. Concerns about their organizations and employees, not to mention their own futures, have prompted a significant number to stay in their roles. When this increasingly large group finally decides to leave, the gap between numbers of departing executives and those ready to step in will be that much greater.
All the more reason to celebrate the
2009 class of Up & Comers. Now, more than ever, we need young, talented leaders who are ready to step up to the challenges of an uncertain economy. What better way to develop the next generation than by showcasing early career superstars? Over the 20-plus years of Up & Comers classes—13 of which Witt/Kieffer has been privileged to sponsor—nearly half of more than 260 winners are sitting CEOs.
Our informal survey also found intriguing generational differences in perspective. While CEOs over 50 on the whole share broad-based concern about the lasting impact of the recession, more than one executive under 40 looked at the downturn as an opportunity to make much needed changes now to their core business model and market approach.
The
2009 Up & Comers are similarly optimistic. Challenging economic times no doubt lie ahead, but when the current generation finally leaves their posts, rest assured these young leaders will be ready to fill the gap.
