Global CHRO Turnover Index

We share the latest CHRO turnover data across listed companies globally. Each quarter, you’ll find the latest data on CHRO departures and appointments, as well as trends on gender diversity, tenure, and internal / external appointments.

Global CHRO Turnover - Russell Reynolds Associate Copy

CHRO Turnover Index: Q1 2025 Key Trends

01	CHRO turnover increases in Q1 2025 CHRO turnover accelerated in Q1 2025, with 54 CHROs departures globally—a 15% jump from 47 in Q1 2024 and 32% above the six-year Q1 average of 41. The S&P 500 is driving this surge in turnover, accounting for 51% of all CHRO departures. This elevated turnover suggests a renewed interest in CHRO moves as organizations seek leaders with the expertise to spearhead ambitious workforce transformation strategies and AI enablement.

02	CHRO tenure declines The average tenure for departing CHROs fell to 4.1 years in Q1 2025, down from 4.5 years in Q1 2024 and significantly below the six-year average of 6.1 years. Nearly one in five (19%) of CHROs served less than two years in the role. The FTSE 100 and ASX 200 are driving this decline, with an average CHRO tenure of just 2.9 years, contrasting sharply with the S&P 500’s 6.1 year average. This trend of declining tenure mirrors CEO tenure, which has slowed to 6.8 years from 8.1 years. As new CEOs take the helm, CHRO changes often follow, reinforcing the tight link between people strategy and leadership direction.

03	Organizations bet on internal talent Internal CHRO appointments continue to dominate in Q1 2025, accounting for 58% of CHRO appointments, compared to 50% in Q1 2024. This shift to internal appointments suggests that in turbulent times, organizations are favouring stability over reinvention, prioritizing institutional knowledge and cultural fit.

What is CHRO turnover?

CHRO turnover refers to the rate at which Chief Human Resources Officers leave their roles and are replaced within organizations. It reflects leadership stability and can indicate broad trends in HR leadership. The CHRO Turnover captures data from the following global stock indices: ASX 200, CAC 40, DAX 40, Euronext 100, FTSE100, FTSE 250, HANG SENG, Nikkei 225, NSE Nifty 50, S&P 500, S&P/TSX Composite, and STI.

How has CHRO turnover changed for public companies?

CHRO turnover has remained steady, but the approach has evolved. There is now a growing preference for external hires to bring in fresh perspectives. As a result, firms are increasingly seeking more experienced individuals who have navigated complex environments to help address their own challenges. While there’s still openness for first-time CHROs, this trend may be shifting as organizations prioritize seasoned leadership in the current climate.

Why is CHRO turnover so high for public firms globally?

CHRO turnover is high in public firms globally due to multiple factors. While workforce and global pressures can contribute to a need for leadership change, a significant driver is the turnover of CEOs.

The CHRO is often consideredthe CEO’s close confidant, so changes in turnover in top seat are likely tohave a knock-on effect on the CHRO.‍

How many CHROs were appointed globally in 2024 at public companies?

In 2024, 141 CHROs were appointed to the top HR role at public companies globally, closely mirroring the 220 CEO changes within the same period.

Notably, some organizations may not have previously had a dedicated CHRO, while others experience more than one CHRO change within the year. A more robust assessment and succession planning process could have contributed to greater stability in these roles.

How many CHROs of public companies stepped down in 2024?

In 2024, a total of 153 CHROs stepped down from their roles at public companies globally, with a notable 71 departures from S&P 500 organizations, 13 from ASX 200, 13 from FTSE 100 and 13 from FTSE 250.

What is the proportion of women CHRO appointments at public firms in 2024?

In 2024, women made up 67% of all CHRO appointments at public firms globally. Historically, from 2018 to 2024, the average proportion of female CHRO appointments has been 68%.

What proportion of new CHROs of public companies were first-time CHROs?

In 2024, 53% of new CHRO appointments at public companies were first-time CHROs. Historically, from 2018 to 2024, the average proportion of first-time CHROs has been 56%.

What’s the average tenure of CHROs at publicly listed companies?

The average tenure of CHROs at publicly listed companies is 4.2 years, with a range spanning from 0.8 to 17.3 years.

Disclosures

The CHRO Turnover index is based on the most current and reliable information, focusing on HR Executives who hold the top HR position within their organizations. As executive roles and reporting practices are dynamic, some changes may not be immediately reflected, and figures may adjust quarterly as new appointments are retroactively announced.

Data Source

The data presented in this report was built through human-forward research and mapping to pinpoint individuals who hold top-level HR roles within organizations globally.

Time Frame

The analysis covers CHRO turnover and appointments from Q1 2018 to Q3 2024. Specific focus points have been highlighted for trends observed in Q3 2024.

Data Accuracy

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the data, it is based on available information at the time of reporting and may be subject to updates as new information becomes available. This includes leveraging data on individuals who are VPs, HR, and SVPs, HR, who serve as the top-level HR role within their organizations but may not necessarily be labeled as a CHRO. We aim to be inclusive in our approach and encapsulated all the publicly available data. There may have been interim placements or appointments that did not work out, resulting in the same organizations experiencing multiple CHRO movements within a 1-2 year span. Therefore, while the movement tracks all changes within an index, a single move does not always equate to one company, as a single company may have various CHROs over a short time span for different reasons.

Use of Data

This report is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for any business or strategic decisions. It is recommended to consult with professional advisors for tailored advice and analysis.

Global CHRO advisory leaders

Our global Human Resources Officers team provides strategic insights and guidance to tackle your most complex HR leadership challenges. We work with you to create tailored solutions that strengthen your organization’s leadership and drive impactful change.

Jason Kipkala is a member of Russell Reynolds Associates' Global Legal, Risk, & Compliance Officers and Human Resources Officers Knowledge teams. He is based in Toronto