GoKawiilAdvisory piece urges new CEOs to widen stakeholder outreach in first 60 days
An Entrepreneur opinion column argues that new CEOs should use their first 60 days to build relationships beyond the obvious stakeholders like the board and investors. It cites Equilar data showing 12-13% of CEOs are new each year, with about 28% hired externally, and recommends also speaking with predecessors, partners, recently departed clients and frontline staff. The piece offers tactics such as building a KPI-based scorecard, watching for cross-functional friction, and delaying restructuring.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The advice reflects a broader concern that externally hired CEOs often lack cultural context, which could lead to strategic missteps if not addressed early. Framing the first 60 days as a high-leverage period suggests that early listening habits may shape long-term leadership effectiveness, according to the author. This is guidance rather than reported policy change, so its impact depends on individual CEOs choosing to adopt it.
- About 12-13% of CEOs are new to their role annually, with roughly 28% hired externally, per Equilar.
- The article recommends engaging non-obvious stakeholders like former CEOs, partners and frontline employees.
- Suggested tactics include KPI scorecards, monitoring cross-functional friction, and avoiding early restructuring.
Source: entrepreneur.com, 2026-09-28
Published there as: “The Relationships You Need to Build in Your First 60 Days as a New CEO”
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