previous head of a family; previous generation (of a family); one's (late) father
Refers to the person who was the head of a family or household before the current head, or to the preceding generation. Can also mean one's late father in family contexts.
The previous company president was his father.
This shop has been passed down from the previous generation.
Used for a person who held a position or role before the current holder, not limited to family businesses. Common in professional, organizational, or title contexts.
The previous mayor put effort into improving the parks.
previous age; previous generation (era)
Refers to a past era or the people of a former time, often in historical or cultural discussions. Less common than the personal predecessor sense.
It's a festival that passes down the culture of previous generations to the present.
The son succeeded his predecessor and became president.
This shop preserves the flavor it inherited from the previous owner.
The new manager runs the shop following his predecessor's methods.
初代 always means the very first generation or founder, whereas 先代 means simply the previous generation or predecessor, who may or may not be the first.