Something New, Something Old

A Seamless Shift: P2’s First CEO Transition

Phase 2 recently passed through an enormous milestone in our company’s history – one that sets a clear foundation for a future that endures and prospers on behalf of the enterprise. We have had the first transition of the role of CEO.  

Since January 1998, Mark Towler was not only the founder of Phase 2 but also the CEO. Throughout his leadership journey spanning 25 years, he, along with the team we’ve gathered together,  have weathered twists, trials, failures, successes, joys, and heartaches – learning to wear numerous metaphorical hats along the way.

Few companies last for 25 years and fewer find a way to seamlessly and amicably pass on the role of CEO from the first generation to the second. Many companies, if they make it long enough, are forced to endure too tight a hold on power, too much drama and hard feelings, forced leadership transitions, disgruntled exits from top leadership, secret sales to private capital, family or estate takeovers, or any number of other generally disruptive or destructive transitions.  

Those already rare,long lived companies face a filtering event during these transitions which determines if those companies continue to succeed or end in decline and failure.  

This June, with years of work leading up to the event, Phase 2 encountered that particular filter event and passed through it in the most successful way possible; a clear, obvious, drama free, respectful, and happy transition of the top leadership job from the founding generation to the next.  

Heath’s work as CEO will mindfully push Phase 2 forward into a bright future.  However, it was the passing of power by Mark which has set a clear precedent for  our company that will stand strong through the ever changing landscape of technology and business challenges. The path has been laid for another successful 25 years.