You might not make such a transfer - but the CEO can choose which of your colleagues he approaches.
So he doesn't go to the conscientious, rule-following guy with a stick up his ass. He goes to someone so junior they don't know better. Or someone who's flattered to get the CEO's direct attention and to be trusted and included on a secret project. Or someone trusting that the CEO gets on well with. Or someone who thinks producing results and cutting through red tape will show the CEO their potential as an executive.
And if the first person he approaches says there are forms to fill in he takes the forms, thanks them, and asks someone else the next day.
So he doesn't go to the conscientious, rule-following guy with a stick up his ass. He goes to someone so junior they don't know better. Or someone who's flattered to get the CEO's direct attention and to be trusted and included on a secret project. Or someone trusting that the CEO gets on well with. Or someone who thinks producing results and cutting through red tape will show the CEO their potential as an executive.
And if the first person he approaches says there are forms to fill in he takes the forms, thanks them, and asks someone else the next day.