The Ascent
The Ascent
COO · Chief Operating Officer
COO → CEO Readiness Audit
“COOs have the highest CEO succession rate of any CXO — 32% of new CEOs served as COO immediately prior.”
— C-suite route to CEO research, 2024
The COO role is the ultimate CEO proving ground — but operational excellence alone won't get you there. Vision, board relationships, and external presence are the differentiators.
Average path: 2–5 years from COO to CEO · Very high — the most natural feeder role
Takes 3 minutes · 10 dimensions · Personalised gap analysis
01External-Facing Leadership
02Vision & Strategy
03Investor & Capital
04Brand & Market
05Innovation & Disruption
06Talent Strategy &
07Board & Governance
08Public Profile &
09Customer & Market
10Digital & Technology