Business Change > Executive Exits

Executive exits: plan and manage leadership transitions with confidence

A strategic approach to stakeholder and shareholder exit planning

Whether it's a long-standing board member, a founding investor, or a business partner, managing executive exits requires more than just paperwork, it demands sensitivity, structure, and foresight. A well-managed executive exit strategy protects your business from disruption and preserves key relationships.

At JourneyHR, we provide discreet, expert guidance for businesses navigating stakeholder exit planning. We help you design and execute exit strategies that maintain operational continuity, align with your governance structures, and support a respectful, professional departure.

Why choose our Executive Exit service?

We support businesses through high-stakes transitions, helping you:

  • Minimise disruption and maintain stability

  • Protect your reputation and internal relationships

  • Mitigate legal and financial risk

  • Ensure fair compensation and consistent treatment

  • Strengthen governance through structured leadership transitions

  • Avoid negative publicity and support culture continuity

Key features of our Executive Exit strategy support

Clear, strategic communication

We help you communicate exits effectively to internal and external stakeholders—avoiding speculation, confusion, or reputational harm.

Legal and financial planning

From shareholder exit strategy design to equity arrangements and contract reviews, we work alongside your legal and financial advisors to ensure full compliance and risk mitigation.

Knowledge transfer and business continuity

We ensure important relationships, responsibilities, and insight are handed over smoothly, preserving continuity in day-to-day operations.

Respectful, people-centred exit handling

Whether due to disagreement, personal reasons, or performance, managing executive exits with professionalism and respect protects culture and morale.

Business structure review

We assess and adjust your governance and ownership structures post-exit to ensure stability and readiness for what’s next.

Transition monitoring

Our support doesn’t end on exit day — we stay involved to ensure a smooth, complete transition for all involved.

Frequently asked questions

How do we manage a 12-month notice period in light of PILON vs PENP?

We help you handle lengthy notice periods with clarity and legal compliance — balancing business needs with contractual obligations.

How do we protect relationships during a dispute?

We’ll support you in creating a communication strategy that preserves key relationships, even in difficult circumstances.

How do we manage emotionally complex departures?

Long-standing relationships can make executive exits personal. We bring empathy and structure to guide you through these delicate transitions.

How should we manage share purchases during a stakeholder exit?

We work closely with your legal and financial teams to ensure share transactions are handled in line with your shareholder exit strategy.

What if the person leaving is subject to an earn-out agreement?

Our approach to earn-out exit management ensures expectations are managed clearly and terms are respected on both sides.

How do we apply the good leaver/bad leaver process?

We guide you through the good leaver bad leaver process, helping you make fair, defensible decisions that align with your contracts and business values.

Ready to plan your executive exit strategy?

Let’s make sure your leadership transitions are smooth, fair, and future-focused. Whether you're dealing with a complex stakeholder exit or preparing for upcoming changes, our expert team is here to help.

Get in touch to start your exit planning conversation.

Get in Touch

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Aliya Vigor-Robertson
Founding Partner
+44 7979 498 455
aliya@journeyhr.com

Sue Shaw
Founding Partner
+44 7939 992 801
sue@journeyhr.com

Location

JourneyHR
5th Floor, High Holborn House
52–54 High Holborn
London WC1V 6RL

Office Hours

Monday–Friday
9am–5.30pm