Co-CEOs Break the Mold: Sharing Leadership to Survive Unmanageable CEO Demands

The Unconventional CEO: How Two Co-Leaders Are Redefining the Top Job Imagine a world where one person can't possibly do it all. Where the demands of being a modern chief executive officer (CEO) are so overwhelming that even the most capable leaders need help sharing the load. Welcome to the reality of today's C-suite, where the expectations and pressures on CEOs have reached unsustainable levels. For David Garfield and Rob Hornby, co-CEOs of global consulting firm AlixPartners, this is a harsh truth they've faced head-on. With over 14 years of working together under their belts, they've developed an unorthodox approach to leadership that's gaining attention in the business world. By splitting the job between them, they're not only managing the weight but also leveraging each other's strengths to drive innovation and growth. "We genuinely believe our decisions are better as a result of collaborating on them than if we were making them independently," Garfield told Fortune during an interview at AlixPartners' New York office. With decades of experience in corporate strategy, shareholder value creation, and the commercial side of global consulting, he brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Hornby, based in the UK with 30% of his time spent in New York, has a soup-to-nuts background in AI, digital transformation, and innovation. "Our partnership is not just about splitting responsibilities; it's about amplifying each other's ideas and perspectives," he explained. "We've developed a deep understanding of how to work together seamlessly." Their unconventional approach may seem counterintuitive at first, but it's rooted in the harsh realities of modern leadership. The demands on CEOs are indeed close to unsustainable, with expectations for innovation, growth, and social responsibility piling up. According to a recent survey by PwC, 75% of CEOs believe that their organization is not adequately prepared to deal with the challenges ahead. Garfield and Hornby's partnership is more than just a coping mechanism; it's a deliberate choice to prioritize collaboration over individual heroism. "We've learned to trust each other implicitly," Garfield said. "Active listening, shared responsibilities, and pre-planned forgiveness are essential components of our relationship." Their approach has paid off in tangible ways. Under their co-leadership, AlixPartners has experienced significant growth, with revenue increasing by over 20% in the past two years. The firm's clients have also benefited from the duo's innovative thinking, which combines Garfield's strategic acumen with Hornby's AI expertise. As we explore the implications of this unconventional approach to leadership, it's essential to consider the broader context. With AI and automation transforming industries at an unprecedented pace, CEOs must adapt their skills and strategies to remain relevant. The partnership between Garfield and Hornby serves as a beacon for leaders seeking to navigate these uncharted waters. Their story raises important questions about the future of work and leadership: Can we redefine what it means to be a CEO in the age of AI? Should we prioritize collaboration over individual achievement? By examining their approach, we can gain valuable insights into how to create more sustainable, effective, and innovative leadership models for the 21st century. As Hornby reflected on their partnership, "We're not just co-CEOs; we're co-innovators. We're constantly pushing each other to think differently, to explore new ideas, and to drive growth." In an era where the demands of being a CEO are close to unsustainable, Garfield and Hornby's unconventional approach offers a beacon of hope for leaders seeking to redefine what it means to lead in the age of AI. About AlixPartners AlixPartners is a global consulting firm with over 2,500 employees across 20 offices worldwide. With expertise spanning corporate strategy, digital transformation, and innovation, they help clients navigate complex business challenges and achieve growth. Sources: PwC's Global CEO Survey AlixPartners' annual reports This article is part of a larger series exploring the intersection of AI and leadership in the modern C-suite. Stay tuned for more stories on how CEOs are adapting to the changing landscape of work and innovation. *Based on reporting by Fortune.*