Predecessor

/pɹˈiːdɪsˌɛsɐ/

/ˈpɹɛdəˌsɛsɝ/

Predecessor

one who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office)

something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone

synonyms : forerunner

Examples

1. The new smartphone is streets ahead of its predecessor, with a larger screen and more powerful processor.

2. The new employee is stepping into the shoes of her predecessor, who left the company after many years of service.

3. The company's latest smartphone model goes one better than its predecessor with a more advanced camera system.

4. Of course he has predecessors.