I think the anonymous answer is the closest: being in the right place at the right time. I'd add knowing the right people.
A majority shareholder has a lot of influence over who is on the board of directors. That board of directors usually decides who is CEO. SO, the majority shareholder could put themselves on the board and try to get elected CEO.
You might be interested in the link below to an NPR podcast that talks about how a guy became a majority shareholder and tried to cut his CEO's pay.
A large amount of chief executives in publicly traded companies reached their position from working there and being in the right place at the right time more or less. However, others have used different strategies, ranging from the mundane to the extreme. Some even decide to start competing companies to merely beat out the competition, and furthermore gain control. Owning more than half the stock makes you a majority shareholder. Another way? If you're powerful and wealthy enough, simply buy the thing.
You can force yourself into the job if you have a so-called controlling interest, which does not have to be a majority interest. Short of that, you simply have to be the person the board WANTS as CEO
Work your butt off, that's how you become CEO. Also, start out being very intelligent and driven, that helps too.
The CEO is normally an employee of the business - the majority stockholder is likely to be the Chair of the Board, not an employee
Luck
Get promoted.
Found the company.
Learn the work. Do hard work. Exhibit leadership qualities.Excel in the department assigned to you. Get promotions. Step by step you can reach the top.
Your are HIRED by the Board of Directors.
get promoted
