Cesaro e Associati

This case describes the leadership succession planning process at Cesaro e Associati (Studio Cesaro), founded in 1986 by Franco Cesaro in the northeastern Italian state of Veneto. In 2022, Franco was contemplating retirement and passing leadership of his firm, which consulted with other family-owned businesses, to his youngest daughter, Laura. For her part, Laura found much of her work at Studio Cesaro suited her, but she was still figuring out how her own ambitions fit with the firm's future. The case considers the perspectives of Studio Cesaro senior consultants and the Cesaro family-including Laura's mother, sisters, and husband-with a focus on Franco and Laura. Also included is information on Franco's philosophy and approach to family businesses, and descriptions of selected clients and services. The case concludes with Franco, Laura, and the family considering several options for the future equity allocation, governance structure, and business model of the firm.