# The Sudden Vacancy: Leading When the Chief Executive Dies or Is Incapacitated

> For chairs, directors, company secretaries and senior executives of African companies. Handle the first hours with dignity, pass authority in an orderly…

- Provider: BrandsClass Executive Academy (a Brands Nexus Network Limited company)
- Format: online lessons, then a live virtual boardroom simulation with AI board members, scored against a published rubric
- Duration: about 240 minutes (9 lessons)
- Access: 365 days from the day you start
- Price: ₦225,000 (NGN)
- Certificate: a certificate that anyone can verify online. It is not a regulated or accredited qualification.
- Level: Boardroom
- Who it is for: Chairs, directors, company secretaries, general counsel and senior executives of African companies and family-influenced groups.
- Page: https://brandsclass.com/courses/the-sudden-vacancy-leading-when-the-chief-executive-dies-or-is-incapacitated/
- Last updated: 2026-10-18

## What you will learn

- Confirm the facts and lead the first hours with care and dignity
- Pass authority in an orderly way under the constitution
- Support staff and the family and respect custom and faith
- Disclose to stakeholders and the market in the right order
- Manage key-person risk with banks, customers and insurers
- Make a fair, credible succession decision and keep family and company governance apart
- Stabilise the company and prepare succession plans

## Lessons

1. The first hours after a sudden loss
2. Governance mechanics: who acts now
3. People, grief and culture
4. Stakeholders and disclosure
5. Key-person risk, banks and insurance
6. The succession decision
7. Communications and the market
8. The family, ownership and the estate
9. Stabilise and prepare for next time

## How to enrol

Open https://brandsclass.com/courses/the-sudden-vacancy-leading-when-the-chief-executive-dies-or-is-incapacitated/ to create a free account and buy a seat.