Holmes Noble has created a leadership programme to develop the next generation of C-suite executives and tackle 67 per cent CEO readiness gap threatening industry. Nominations are now open for The Ascent, a landmark programme for senior professionals with C-suite potential.
The programme is designed to address the persistent disconnect in industry between current and future CEOs. The crisis is real and it’s urgent: 54 per cent of current CEOs are concerned about their leadership pipeline, while 67 per cent of the brilliant minds destined for the C-suite feel woefully underprepared for what awaits them. The gap has become a chasm, widening every day as economic uncertainty, technological disruption and evolving governance demands race ahead of traditional leadership development programmes.
Launching in spring 2026, Holmes Noble is stepping up with The Ascent, an exclusive year-long programme that will transform 12 exceptional N-1 and N-2 professionals into boardroom-ready leaders who thrive at the top. This industry-first initiative pairs future CEOs with 12 high-profile mentors, combining world-class executive coaching with strategic capability development and unparalleled network access.
Delivered in partnership with MRA Executive Coaching, the EMCC Global accredited practice, The Ascent represents a new benchmark in leadership development, one that bridges the disconnect between traditional training and today’s complex boardroom realities.
“CEOs are worried about who’ll take the reins, while brilliant future leaders feel frustrated, they’re not being given the tools to succeed,” says Holmes Noble Chief Executive Amy Speake. ”As the business landscape navigates unprecedented and increasing uncertainty, ensuring robust succession planning has never been more critical. The boardroom needs brilliant minds, of course, but we must also develop leaders who can navigate complexity, build trust under pressure and drive genuine transformation. That’s exactly what The Ascent delivers. Through our partnership with MRA Executive Coaching, we’re creating a world-class programme that builds the strategic capability, governance expertise and leadership impact today’s boards desperately need.”
The programme’s ambition extends beyond individual development. Within five years, Holmes Noble aims for The Ascent alumni to become actively sought by boardrooms across industry when filling C-suite positions, establishing the programme as a mark of distinction that signals exceptional potential and serious commitment to leadership excellence.
