This is the way the world works. Seldom does someone get executive management positions without having some kind of relationship or several relationships to leverage. I won't say it's a "class" per se, but a lot of times who you know has more impact than what you know.

I've worked in situations just like this where the CEO was new and didn't really have the experience to be the CEO. However, the board took more of an active role in his development than normal. As long as the board is solid here and are actively taking part in his development, this doesn't bother me.

I think some of the changes in his behavior has been because of the board stepping in and mentoring him. Just my opinion.