First-Time CEOs Chosen Amid Shortening Tenures in APAC

2025 CEO Turnover Index: Record Turnover Rates Within APAC, First-Time CEOs Chosen Amid Shortening Tenures

• 73% of new CEO appointments in APAC in 2025 are internal
• APAC reported an average tenure of approximately 5.9 years, marginally shorter than the global average outgoing CEO tenure of 7.1 years
• Across APAC, around 94% of new CEO hires were first-time CEOs

9 February 2026, Singapore – According to Russell Reynolds Associates' (RRA) latest Global CEO Turnover Index, in 2025, CEO turnover reached a 8-year record high, with 234 CEOs exiting their roles globally, up 16% from 2024. The Asia Pacific (APAC) region recorded a total of 87 CEO departures, up 26% increase from 2024, and most markets recorded their highest number of departures in seven years.

The Index reveals that 73% of new CEO appointments in APAC in 2025 are internal, marginally outpacing the global figure of 68%. This preference for promoting from within suggests a deliberate strategy to leverage existing knowledge, experience and familiarity with the company culture amidst a turbulent global landscape in light of historic numbers of global CEO departures.

In 2025, Australia recorded 34 departures, 31 in Japan, 10 in Hong Kong, 7 in India and 5 in Singapore. The Global Index of CEO Turnover tracks CEO departures from constituent companies across global stock indices, including ASX 200 (Australia), HANG SENG (Hong Kong), Nikkei 225 (Japan), NSE Nifty 50 (India) and STI (Singapore).

Elevated CEO Turnover Persists Amidst Shortened Tenures

In 2025, CEO tenures continued to compress, and the average outgoing CEO tenure globally declined to 7.1 years, a slight decrease from 7.4 years in 2024 and well below the 8.3 years recorded in both 2021 and 2023.

APAC reported an average tenure of approximately 5.9 years, with Australia seeing an average of 6.3 years, Hong Kong at 4.7 years (below its average), Japan at 5.9 years, and India reporting 4.8 years – significantly lower than its seven-year high of 18.5 years in 2019 and below its eight-year average of 7.1 years.

In Singapore, outgoing CEOs demonstrated a longer average tenure of 7.3 years, indicating a degree of stability despite the overall increase in departures, although it is still below the eight-year average of 10 years.

"Sustained high levels of CEO turnover should be expected given the environment leaders are operating in today and indeed, how long boards are willing to wait for results," stated Euan Kenworthy, Country Lead, Singapore, Russell Reynolds Associates. "The role of the CEO has become materially harder, burdened by increased media scrutiny, a more demanding investor base, faster technology adoption, and regulatory challenges. As these pressures mount, the margin for error narrows, increasing the likelihood of board intervention and indicating that boards are making definitive judgements far earlier in the CEO lifecycle than in the past.”

APAC Continues to Hire First-Time CEOs

Across APAC, around 94% of new CEO hires were first-time CEOs, mirroring the global trend where 86% of all CEO appointments are first-time leaders. This consistency across APAC suggests boards believe fresh perspectives are crucial for navigating transformation and market complexity. 

With the majority of incoming CEOs globally being first-time leaders, the focus of succession has shifted from identifying a single "ready now" candidate to building a robust bench with multiple credible options. For first-time CEOs especially, readiness now encompasses less about having previously held the top job and more about demonstrating learning agility, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to quickly build and mobilise a senior team.

A Shift Towards Planned Departures and Successions

A significant shift in 2025 is how CEOs are leaving, as 32% of global CEO departures occurred through planned successions, an increase from 22% in 2024. This marks the first year on record that the number of exits due to planned succession outpaced retirements, which accounted for 26% of departures, down from 30% in 2024.

" These trends underscore that getting CEO succession right has never been more important, or more complex,” commented Euan Kenworthy. “Across all types of organisations, from multinationals to privately owned enterprises, leaders are navigating heightened expectations, market volatility, and the need for faster transformation. Robust and forward-looking succession planning is essential, ensuring boards proactively identify and develop next-generation leaders, address experience gaps, and build governance structures that support continuity, adaptability, and long-term business success."

Contact

Joann Chin
Russell Reynolds Associates
+65 6496 0614
joann.chin@russellreynolds.com