Temporary succession planning could become a more pressing issue in the coming weeks, as companies prepare for the possibility of executive absences related to the coronavirus pandemic, governance experts say. Finance chiefs, long seen as a steady hand within an organization, are likely contenders to temporarily fill a chief executive or chairman post if needed. Most boards already have an emergency succession plan, a standard part of good governance, but few are likely to be prepared for the rapid spread of the new coronavirus, Mr. Elson said. “They can see inside the enterprise—what has to be addressed or adjusted on a near-term basis,” Mr. Crist said. If elevated to the CEO role, CFOs have the opportunity for a more effective level of leadership in the company, Mr. Crist said.

Source: Wall Street Journal March 20, 2020 21:22 UTC