Enhancing Leadership Succession and Organizational Continuity through Corporate Governance: Implications for Saudi Vision 2030 Transformation

Leadership succession is a critical determinant of organizational sustainability, particularly in economies undergoing large-scale transformation such as Saudi Arabia. Within the strategic framework of Saudi Vision 2030, organizations are expected to demonstrate strong governance, institutional resilience, and leadership continuity to support long-term national development objectives. However, succession planning in many organizations remains fragmented and insufficiently integrated into corporate governance structures, leading to leadership gaps, operational disruptions, and strategic misalignment. This study examines the role of corporate governance in enhancing leadership succession and ensuring organizational continuity in transformation-driven environments. Drawing on agency theory, stewardship theory, and resource dependency theory, the research analyzes how governance mechanisms—including board oversight, nomination committees, and leadership development systems—contribute to effective succession planning. A qualitative research approach is employed, utilizing multi-case analysis of global and Saudi-based organizations to identify governance practices that support leadership continuity. The study proposes a governance-driven succession framework that integrates strategic oversight, risk management, and leadership development to strengthen organizational resilience. The findings provide practical implications for policymakers, boards, and executives seeking to align succession planning with governance systems to support sustainable transformation under Vision 2030.