The best CEOs take a methodical approach to matching talent with roles that create the most value.
A crucial first step is discovering which roles matter most. Careful analysis typically produces findings that surprise even the savviest CEOs. Of the 50 most value-creating roles in any given organization, only 10 percent normally report to the CEO directly. Sixty percent are two levels below, and 20 percent sit farther down. Most surprising of all is that the remaining 10 percent are roles that don’t even exist.
[...]
The best CEOs ensure that their own role is included so that the board has viable, well-prepared internal candidates to consider for succession.
Source: McKinsey