Chapter 24 - The succession vote
The Ravelle governance reform came to final vote.
Independent trustee.
Board.
Family council.
No children present.
Proposal:
Competency-based succession.
No male-line preference.
No automatic branch preference.
Future family leaders must meet:
Education or equivalent experience.
Minimum operating experience.
Independent suitability review.
No serious fiduciary disqualification.
Could Primrose qualify one day?
Yes.
Could Felix?
Yes.
Could a nonfamily professional run everything?
Yes.
Older relatives hated that most.
“What’s the point of a family company if outsiders can lead?”
I answered:
“To remain a company instead of becoming an inheritance costume.”
Vote passed.
Genevieve had no vote during suspension.
She submitted written support anyway.
That surprised everyone.
Why?
Maybe because she learned.
Maybe because opposing would hurt future restoration.
Motives can mix.
Then Barton Fiduciary adopted additional rule:
No minors used in succession marketing or ceremonial title announcements.
That was because of Felix.
No:
Future Chairman.
No:
Heiress apparent.
Children could attend family events.
Not carry corporate crowns.
Good.
Then my own position.
I remained chair for a defined five-year term subject annual independent review.
No lifetime throne.
That was my concession.
May you like
Not Genevieve’s victory.
A reform I should have accepted earlier.
