Lamberti, Mark J.Lew, Charlene2025-01-222025-01-222025-01Lamberti, M.J. and Lew, C. (2025), "Filling the void: the underlying processes of CEO post-retirement role identity reformation", Personnel Review, Vol. 54 No. 1, pp. 371-388. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-04-2024-0317.0048-348610.1108/PR-04-2024-0317http://hdl.handle.net/2263/100242PURPOSE : Following identity theory from a symbolic-interactionist perspective, we explore the post-retirement role identity reformation of public company CEOs to uncover the process elements through which role identities reform after retirement from highly salient roles. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : We applied a self-relevant qualitative exploration based on 30 in-depth interviews and employed an interpretative phenomenological analysis. FINDINGS : The findings reveal six interrelated, contemporaneous and contiguous underlying process elements within post-retirement liminality and emergence clusters, which shape work and nonwork role identities that contribute to retirement stability and well-being. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS : The research provides a basis for organizations and human resource specialists to guide retiring senior executives on the psychological effects, cognitive processes and practical considerations of the retirement transition. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : The study provides a framework for understanding how the post-retirement void evokes novel appraisals of self, others and context. These appraisals act as stimuli of an integrated cognitive, social and behavioral work role identity reformation process.en© 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited.RetirementRole identityChief executive officer (CEO)LiminalityEmergenceSDG-03: Good health and well-beingPostprint Article