An opinion piece by Frans Haarmans, Managing Partner at SDH, AGILIUM WORLDWIDE’s member firm in the Netherlands.

Family businesses are the foundation of our economy. They think in terms of generations instead of quarters, they have deep connections with their employees and their environment, and they create sustainable growth with long-term policies.
 
It is exactly these strengths though – loyalty, continuity and culture – that make the decisions about succession or filling key positions very complicated. Because how do you sustainably combine innovation with maintaining your identity? How does the hiring team determine who is suitable for a crucial role, without underlying tensions clouding the conversation? How do you find someone who not only has the right experience, but is also a perfect fit the family’s character, culture and dreams for the future?