eoaLive! October 2026

BREAKOUT 1B | The Next Generation of EO Leaders: Succession Planning Within Your EOB

Leadership succession within an employee owned business (EOB) can look very different to traditional succession. Many leaders step into senior roles post-transition without previous experience of leading an EOB, while others move from operational roles into positions with entirely new governance responsibilities and cultural expectations.  This session explores how EOBs can successfully develop the next generation of leaders and build long-term resilience into their ownership model.

Hear from those shortlisted for ‘Employee Owned Leader of the Year’ at the 2026 UK Employee Ownership Awards as they share experiences of stepping into EO leadership roles, alongside more a established EOB now operating with second and third generation leadership teams.

Discover how successful EOBs approach leadership development, succession planning, governance education, and culture-building to ensure employee ownership thrives long into the future.

Who Should Attend

  • Current and emerging leaders within employee owned businesses
  • Businesses exploring EO interested in the long-term sustainability of employee ownership
  • Employee owners interested in leadership and governance pathways within their EOB

What You’ll Learn

  • How EOBs can develop future leaders and build leadership confidence post-transition
  • Approaches to succession planning that support long-term EO success
  • Lessons learned from established EOBs with multiple generations of employee ownership leadership
When
08/10/2026 13:30 - 14:30
GMT Daylight Time

Speakers

Expr1
David Robinson

David Robinson

Richer Sounds

SPEAKER

David B. Robinson is a seasoned business leader with decades of experience in driving growth, culture, and brand development. As Executive Chairman of Richer Sounds, he has led the company’s transformation into a multi-channel retailer with over 500 employees and a turnover exceeding £200 million. Key achievements under his leadership include transitioning the business to employee ownership in 2019, acquiring a major online competitor, and earning a Royal Warrant. David’s career spans roles as Operations Director and Managing Director, where he has excelled in team building, innovation, and strategic planning. Beyond Richer Sounds, he’s Managing Director of JR Properties, overseeing a £100 million property portfolio, and Trustee of the Persula Foundation. He also serves as a Non-Executive Board Member of Great Places Housing Group, contributing to governance and strategy, and is Chair of Cube Homes.