Michael M. Meier — CEO

I help family-owned and publicly listed companies navigate their most critical leadership transitions — from generational succession to board transformation and next-gen development. My focus: enabling owners, boards, and leadership teams to align governance, people, and purpose for long-term success. As a Partner at Egon Zehnder, I bring over 20 years of experience in boardrooms and family offices, working across consumer and industrial sectors. I advise supervisory boards, family shareholders, and CEOs on leadership succession, governance design, and the evolution of family ownership models. My work typically includes: 🔹Designing and leading CEO and Chair succession processes that secure continuity and renewal. 🔹Supporting Next Gen family members in developing the capabilities and confidence to take on ownership and governance roles. 🔹Guiding boards and executive teams through transformation, strategy realignment, and leadership assessment. What distinguishes my approach is a deep understanding of the human and structural dynamics that make family and founder-led businesses successful — and how those dynamics evolve as the enterprise grows, professionalizes, and transitions to the next generation. I strive to bridge entrepreneurial legacy with institutional governance in a way that sustains both performance and identity. Earlier in my career, I worked at Hilti, BBDO, and Bertelsmann, experiences that shaped my perspective on leadership, culture, and transformation from the inside out. Whether your challenge lies in succession planning, governance renewal, or next generation development — I help you design the process, validate the talent, and embed the leadership that will carry your legacy forward. Let’s connect if you’re exploring how to strengthen your ownership, governance, or leadership architecture for the next era.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a strategic advisor in family business governance and leadership transformation.

Location: Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Experience: 26 yrs 11 mos