Dr. Craig West is a well-known expert in business succession and exit planning, with a wealth of experience and knowledge in helping business owners maximise the value of their enterprises and build significant companies.
As the Founder and Chairman of Succession Plus, since 2009, Craig has led the firm to become Australia’s largest business succession and exit planning company, with a presence in New Zealand, the UK, and the USA. His academic credentials include a Doctor of Business Administration, a Master of Tax Law, and a Master of Business in Accounting and Finance, showcasing his deep understanding of the complexities involved in business transitions. His doctoral thesis on the key drivers of succession and exit, examined key changes in exit intention and successful strategies employed by owners.
Craig’s contributions to the field have been widely recognized through numerous awards and accolades. He was named Exit Planner of the Year in 2015 at the Exit Planning Institute Annual Conference in Texas, USA, for his innovative exit planning process. In 2024, he was inducted into the Exit Planning Institute Circle of Excellence, further cementing his status as a leader in the industry. Additionally, his Employee Ownership structure has won ESOP of the year twice in four years, highlighting his commitment to creating sustainable business models.
As an accomplished author, Craig has shared his insights and expertise through various publications and platforms. He has published six books on asset protection, business valuation, succession planning, exit strategies and employee ownership. Craig acts as a Non-Exec Chairman for several mid-market businesses where he guides ownership mindset and corporate governance as businesses grow towards succession. Craig’s extensive experience and achievements make him a highly sought-after keynote speaker, offering valuable perspectives on business succession, value gap assessment, and employee ownership solutions.