This paper aims to investigate the influence of CEO succession on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance within European listed companies, delving into the moderating roles played by the gender and age of the incoming CEO. Analyzing a comprehensive sample spanning from 2010 to 2021, the study employs a robust empirical methodology, utilizing difference-in-difference and fixed-effects regressions as its primary tools. To ensure the reliability of the findings, alternative econometric approaches are also considered. The empirical results reveal a positive correlation between CEO succession and ESG performance, with the impact being significantly influenced by the characteristics of the incoming CEO. Specifically, the study finds that the positive effect is heightened when the incoming CEO is female, whereas it is tempered by the age of the CEO. This novel exploration opens a discourse on an underexplored subject at the European level, shedding light on the consequences of CEO succession for corporate ESG performance. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by utilizing a unique sample of European listed firms, presenting findings not previously addressed in empirical literature.