This analysis details succession planning and management practices across 14 companies from various industries. It examines the choices companies face when creating or improving their succession planning and management systems. The study identified several themes, including the role of human resources, the criteria for identifying high potential candidates, the relationship between performance and potential, and whether succession planning equals the promotional process. The study emphasizes the importance of managing operational risk, strategic leadership development and assignments. These findings are relevant across industries in designing or evaluating approaches to succession planning and management.