At the conclusion of Succession, Greg Hirsch, despite his often clumsy and self-serving actions, ultimately lands on his feet, maintaining his position within the Waystar RoyCo structure under the new CEO, Tom Wambsgans. His journey, marked by an opportunistic climb and a subservient alliance with Tom, culminates in him securing a future within the company, albeit in a capacity that underscores his continued reliance on Tom's patronage.
Greg's Trajectory Towards the Finale
Greg's path through Succession is a testament to his unique blend of awkwardness and ambition. Starting as an outsider, a "cousin Greg" looking for a way in, he quickly aligns himself with Tom Wambsgans, forming a parasitic yet mutually beneficial relationship. Throughout the series, Greg is often seen as Tom's loyal, albeit bumbling, aide-de-camp, navigating the treacherous corporate landscape by clinging to the coattails of more powerful figures.
His key characteristics include:
- Opportunism: Greg consistently looks for ways to advance his own standing, even if it means betraying others.
- Pliancy: He is easily swayed and controlled, especially by Tom, who often bullies and manipades him.
- Survival Instinct: Despite his social ineptitude, Greg possesses a strong drive to survive and thrive within the cutthroat Roy family empire.
The Final Outcome: Secured by Tom
In the dramatic series finale, despite a significant act of betrayal, Greg remains intertwined with Tom's fate. Greg had previously informed Kendall Roy about Matsson's plan to discard Shiv, a move that could have jeopardized Tom's position and, by extension, Greg's own. However, even after Tom ascends to the CEO role of Waystar RoyCo under Matsson's ownership, he chooses to keep Greg by his side.
This pivotal moment is solidified when Tom assures Greg, "I got you." This statement is accompanied by Tom placing a purple sticker on Greg's forehead—a stark and symbolic gesture. This specific sticker was previously used to label and categorize Logan Roy's personal possessions for distribution, implying that Greg, in a chilling yet darkly humorous way, is now considered Tom's "property" or secured asset. This act reinforces Greg's continuing, albeit subservient, role under Tom, ensuring his place within the company's new regime.
Greg's Standing: A "Consigliere" of Sorts
While Greg never achieves the top-tier power of the Roy siblings, his survival and continued presence at Waystar RoyCo are significant. He effectively becomes Tom's right-hand man, a position that, despite its limitations, offers considerable influence and security compared to his initial humble beginnings.
| Aspect of Greg's Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Continued Employment | Remains within Waystar RoyCo, securing his career path. |
| Relationship with Tom | Maintained as Tom's close associate, despite past betrayals. |
| Symbolic Status | Marked by Tom with a "claim" sticker, signifying his continued subservience but also his "ownership" by the CEO. |
| Future Prospects | Positioned to continue benefiting from Tom's rise to power. |
In essence, Greg's future is firmly tethered to Tom Wambsgans, a relationship that has consistently defined his professional existence throughout the series. He doesn't become a powerful player in his own right, but he successfully navigates the tumultuous end of the Roy era to retain a comfortable, if dependent, perch at the top of the corporate ladder.
