Family businesses recognise that succession will shape their future, yet preparation often lags behind awareness. According to the EY Entrepreneurship Barometer Greece 2026, 45% of family businesses consider succession planning their most significant challenge, while only 31% have a formal succession plan. The report highlights the importance of starting the process early, clearly defining the roles
of family members, owners and management, and considering
both family succession and alternative options such as external management or a sale. With ownership and priorities becoming more complex across generations, successful succession increasingly depends not only on choosing the next leader, but on establishing clear governance, shared principles and structures that can ensure the long- term continuity of the business.