Global Chief Operating Officer Turnover Index

We share the latest Chief Operating Officer (COO) turnover data for listed companies globally. Updated each quarter, you’ll find the proportion of COO departures and appointments, as well as trend analysis by gender and tenure across internal and external hires.

COO Turnover Index - Russell Reynolds Associates

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What is COO turnover?

COO turnover refers to the rate at which COOs depart and are hired from their roles. It can be a helpful indicator of wider trends, including economic health and businesses’ risk appetites.

How has COO turnover changed for public companies?

COO turnover has fluctuated since 2019 for the companies listed on the 10 indices tracked in the COO Turnover Index, hitting a high in 2022, when 136 COOs were appointed globally. COO turnover remained high in 2024, with 130 COO appointments globally.

Why is COO turnover so high for public firms globally?

High COO turnover signals the evolving nature of the COO. As the operational landscape shifts, organizations are seeking more agile, creative COOs who can partner effectively across R&D, finance, and emerging technology functions.

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

There were 130 COO appointments globally in 2024 for the companies listed on the 10 indices tracked in the COO Turnover Index. This included:

  • 39 COO appointments in the S&P 500.
  • 25 COO appointments in ASX 200.
  • 7 COO appointments in the FTSE 100.

How many COOs of public companies stepped down in 2024?

There were 124 COO departures globally in 2024 for the companies listed on the 10 indices tracked in the COO Turnover Index. This included:

  • 44 COO departures in the S&P 500.
  • 21 COO departures in ASX 200.
  • 7 COO departures in the FTSE 100.

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

Women remain largely underrepresented in the COO role across the world as per the COO Turnover Index. In 2024, women accounted for 17 of COO appointments globally (13% of all appointments), compared to 113 for men. However, there are regional nuances. In 2024:

  • 6 women COOs were appointed in the S&P 500, representing 15% of COO appointments.
  • 4 women COOs were appointed in the ASX 200, representing 16% of COO appointments.
  • 1 woman COO was appointed in the FTSE 100, representing 14% of COO appointments.

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

In 2024, 74% of 130 COO appointments were first-time COOs for the companies listed on the 10 indices tracked in the COO Turnover Index. They had never held a COO role at a public-listed company.

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

In 2024, the average tenure of COOs was 3.4 years.

 

 

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