Balancing Legacy and Innovation for Generational Success
Family businesses are the backbone of the global economy, combining entrepreneurial drive with long-term vision. They contribute 70% of global GDP, account for a significant share of employment, and often outperform publicly traded companies due to their strong values, independent ownership, and commitment to sustainability.
Yet, their success is not guaranteed. The transition from one generation to the next is a defining moment—one that only a small percentage of family enterprises navigate successfully. In fact, 80-90% of family businesses fail by the third or fourth generation. The challenge lies not only in sustaining business performance but in managing family relationships, governance structures, and the evolving role of ownership in a rapidly changing world.
At Ward Howell, we understand that family enterprises require a unique approach to leadership, succession, and governance—one that balances tradition with transformation and values with performance. We work closely with families to preserve their entrepreneurial spirit, structure leadership for long-term success, and build a resilient business for future generations.
The Family Business Advantage—and Its Complexities
What makes family businesses so remarkable is also what makes them challenging. Unlike publicly held corporations, family enterprises must navigate the interwoven dynamics of family, ownership, and business leadership—often simultaneously. This complexity, when well-managed, is a competitive strength. When left unaddressed, it becomes a risk to longevity.
Guiding Family Enterprises Through Growth & Transition
Ward Howell partners with family business owners, founders, and leadership teams to address the key challenges of continuity, governance, and strategic leadership. Our expertise spans succession planning, leadership development, professional ownership, and governance restructuring—ensuring that family enterprises remain resilient, competitive, and future-ready.
Leadership & Succession Planning
Succession is not just about choosing a successor—it’s about building a sustainable leadership pipeline. Traditional models of family succession are evolving, with an increasing shift toward hybrid leadership structures that integrate family members with external executives.
We work with families to:
- Define leadership roles for both family and non-family executives.
- Assess and develop next-generation leaders, ensuring they are prepared for their responsibilities.
- Facilitate succession processes that minimize conflict and optimize business continuity.
- Support founder transitions, helping leaders step back without stepping away.
- Governance & Professional Ownership
As businesses scale, the governance structures that once worked in a founder-led environment must evolve. Family businesses that professionalize their ownership structures and leadership teams are more likely to sustain long-term success.
We help family enterprises:
- Design governance frameworks that balance family interests with business needs.
- Implement family councils, advisory boards, and independent directors to enhance decision-making.
- Define ownership roles and responsibilities, ensuring clarity in leadership and operational influence.
- Establish clear policies on ownership transfer, liquidity, and dividend strategies to maintain stability.
By structuring governance thoughtfully, family businesses gain greater strategic clarity, reduced internal conflicts, and a stronger foundation for future growth.
- Multigenerational Leadership Development
Each generation brings a new perspective on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. The challenge is to embrace new ideas without losing the core values that built the business in the first place.
We guide families through:
- Mentoring and preparing the next generation for leadership, ensuring they are ready to take on strategic roles.
- Leadership training programs that enhance business acumen, decision-making, and executive presence.
- Cross-generational collaboration strategies to align different leadership styles and expectations.
Sustained success isn’t just about who leads—it’s about how leadership evolves over time.
- Family Offices & Wealth Stewardship
Beyond the business, family enterprises must also manage family wealth, investment strategies, and philanthropy across generations. A well-structured family office can ensure that wealth not only grows but serves a greater purpose.
We provide expertise in:
- Building and optimizing family office structures to align with long-term wealth goals.
- Recruiting family office leadership, including board members, investment managers, and operational executives.
- Establishing governance models that balance investment decision-making with family values.
- Developing strategies for responsible wealth transfer and next-generation financial education.
Effective family office leadership is about more than managing assets—it’s about creating a financial legacy that lasts.
Why Family Enterprises Work With Ward Howell
Our approach is rooted in experience, objectivity, and a deep understanding of the complexities of family-owned businesses. We don’t impose generic models—we design tailored strategies that reflect each family’s unique vision, values, and challenges.
With decades of expertise advising family businesses worldwide, we help organizations navigate change, succession, and growth while preserving the heart of what makes them special.
A family enterprise is more than just a business—it’s a legacy. Let’s ensure yours thrives for generations to come.
Partner
VITO GIOIA
Partner & Man. Dir. Italy
Judit Kollesch
Partner
ALI AGA
Managing Partner
Stephan Gräfer
Partner
Silvia Moschi
Associate Partner
