r: Abdurazak M. (PHD)Yosan Chari2026-03-032026-03-032025-10-25https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/7707This study examines the succession planning practices and challenges within Droga GroupCompanies, a private limited conglomerate in Ethiopia. Recognizing the growing importance of leadership continuity and strategic talent management, the research explores how successionplanning is implemented and aligned with organizational goals. Using a mixed-methodsapproach, including structured questionnaires and document review, data were collected frommanagement personnel and identified successors. The findings reveal that while Droga Groupdemonstrates a strong cultural and managerial commitment to succession planning, practicalbarriers such as time constraints, limited resources, and inconsistent development programshinder its effectiveness. Key variables such as organizational culture, management support,resource availability, and strategic alignment were found to significantly influence the success ofsuccession planning initiatives. The study concludes with actionable recommendations tostrengthen leadership pipelines and ensure sustainable growth, offering insights applicable tosimilar private sector organizations in developing contextsen-USSuccession PlanningPrivate Limited CompaniesLeadership TransitionOrganizational ChallengesBusiness ContinuityTalent ManagementStrategic PlanningCorporate GovernanceLeadership DevelopmentChange ManagementThesis