Assistant to president as path to CEO

Hi,

I've been very surprised lately to find out that Paul Martin, ex-prime minister of Canada worked as an executive assistant to the president of one of the largest holding company in order to have his break. He did that after finishing law school and a few years later was given a company to run as CEO.

There's also another who worked as "assistant to the president". I won't name because he's not a public figure but he's now partner of a big 4.

Anybody have info about such a career path?

Thanks!

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