Family Business Succession Gaps Revealed Globally and in the Philippines

A Deloitte Private survey of 1,587 family businesses with revenues over US$100 million in 35 countries found that succession planning remains a major challenge. About 27 % of families and 40 % of firms expect to navigate leadership changes within the next decade, while confidence in current and next‑generation leadership is low, with only 52 % feeling confident overall. The study highlights key barriers such as next‑generation readiness (35 %), difficulty identifying successors (33 %) and reluctance of incumbent leaders to step aside (32 %). It also notes a projected rise in non‑family CEOs from 13 % to 26 % and a strong focus among successors on technology modernization, artificial intelligence, new product development and geographic expansion.

A separate analysis of the Philippine context stresses that ownership succession is as critical as leadership transition. It argues that without clear rules on share transfers, valuation, voting rights and dispute resolution, ownership fragmentation can lead to costly conflicts and weaken control over the enterprise. The article recommends formal governance mechanisms—by‑laws, shareholders’ agreements and family constitutions—to align ownership and leadership planning for long‑term family business continuity.