Chief executives. Scapegoats in the wilderness

At least 40 chief executives have had their contracts terminated early in the past five years. Very few, if any, have gone through a disciplinary procedure. The most commonly stated reasons have been poor financial control and disagreements with chairs. This trend represents a considerable waste of talent. The experience required of a chief executive cannot be acquired overnight. The 'sudden death' of people at the top corrupts organisations and deprives them of continuity.