Marvin OnumonuHolmes Noble has opened nominations for The Ascent, a leadership programme aimed at senior professionals with c-suite potential.
The scheme, launching in spring 2026, will focus on addressing what research found to be a significant gap in CEO readiness.
Research found 54% of current CEOs are concerned about their leadership pipeline, while 67% of future leaders feel unprepared for the top job.
The programme will run for one year, selecting 12 N-1 and N-2 professionals to take part.
Each participant will be paired with a mentor, with support from MRA executive coaching, an EMCC global accredited practice.
The scheme provides access to CEOs, boardroom training, networking opportunities, speaking engagements and a community of alumni.
Amy Speake (pictured), CEO at Holmes Noble, said: “CEOs are worried about who’ll take the reins, while brilliant future leaders feel frustrated, they’re not being given the tools to succeed.
“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.”
Speake added: “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.”
