Succession as a complex process

Succession, leadership and transformation are key issues for many family businesses. They are closely interlinked, reinforce one another and shape the strategic direction of these companies. The Foundation for Family Businesses’ annual event "Hauptstadtforum", held in Berlin, focuses on these topics and is always highly relevant.

Berlin, 9 February 2026. The succession to the next generation in family businesses is a complex process. Family business owners transfer responsibility, redefine roles and sometimes adjust the long-term direction of the business. The Hauptstadtforum organised by the Foundation for Family Businesses at Fotografiska in Berlin addresses these issues and fosters dialogue amongst shareholders from the next and mid-gens.

Succession as a structural task
This year’s welcome address focused on generational change. Stefan Heidbreder does not view succession as an isolated case, but rather as a structural challenge for family businesses that extends far beyond individual companies.

At the same time, he made it clear that, in public debate, succession is often reduced to questions of wealth. In reality, it is about taking on responsibility for staff, sites and investment decisions, the effects of which often extend over decades.

A generational change requires dialogue
Particularly when handing over to the next generation, there is a great need to share experiences and discuss different perspectives. The Hauptstadtforum is therefore designed as a confidential discussion forum that facilitates conversations beyond public or political simplifications.

The opening panel discussion with siblings Elena and Franz von Metzler demonstrated just how challenging succession processes can be in practice. It became clear that successful succession requires clearly defined roles, coordination and a willingness to learn.

Leadership and family influences
Guest speaker Dr Holger Schlageter highlighted the link between leadership and family. In family businesses, he emphasised, leadership is always intertwined with family structures. Even with professional governance, personal relationships and roles that have evolved over time continue to shape events, explained the organisational psychologist.

The fact that leadership styles change with generational shifts was also a topic of discussion. Different generations bring different styles to the table, but they all have to tackle similar challenges. Florian Sieber, Managing Partner of the Simba-Dickie Group, described this shift from a personal perspective.

The Hauptstadtforum 2026 clearly demonstrated that many key challenges facing family businesses are currently converging. Succession, leadership and change are closely interlinked and cannot be considered in isolation.

The discussions in Berlin helped to shed light on these interrelationships from various perspectives and to reflect on experiences that are important for the long-term direction of family businesses.

Photos © Foundation for Family Businesses / Marco Urban, 2026