CFO Turnover Hits Six-Year High: What You Need to Know!

Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up! The CFO turnover rate has hit a six-year high, and it's time to pay attention. According to Russell Reynolds Associates, more than 15% of CFOs in publicly listed companies left their roles in 2024. That's just below the record turnover of 16.2% in 2023. This is a MAJOR shift in the financial landscape, and you need to understand what's driving it.



First, let's talk about the retirement rate. More than half of the outgoing CFOs retired or moved into board roles. The average age of retirement fell to 56.6 years old, the lowest seen in six years. This is a massive exodus of experienced talent, and it's creating a supply-demand imbalance in the financial talent market.

But it's not just about retirement. The role of the CFO has evolved significantly. Today's CFOs need strong business acumen, effective communication skills, and the ability to use AI to drive efficiencies. They're expected to be strategic partners, not just number crunchers. This increased pressure is driving many CFOs to seek new opportunities or retire early.

So, what are companies doing about it? They're placing an increasing premium on experience. In 2024, 40% of global CFO appointments went to experienced finance chiefs, the highest percentage in six years. Companies are also focusing on internal talent development and succession planning. In 2024, 57% of CFO appointments were internal, highlighting the importance of grooming internal talent for leadership positions.

But here's the kicker: the average tenure of a CFO is at a six-year low of 5.8 years. This means that companies need to be proactive in their succession planning. They can't afford to wait until a CFO leaves to start looking for a replacement. They need to have a pipeline of qualified candidates ready to step into leadership positions when needed.

And let's not forget about diversity. In 2024, 70 out of 275 CFOs appointed were women, the highest proportion of female CFOs in six years. More than half of these appointments were internal, showing that companies are making progress in promoting diversity from within.

So, what does all this mean for you? If you're a CFO, it means you need to stay on top of your game. The role is more demanding than ever, and the pressure is only going to increase. If you're a company, it means you need to start thinking about succession planning now. You can't afford to wait until a CFO leaves to start looking for a replacement.

And if you're an investor, it means you need to pay attention to the CFO turnover rate. A high turnover rate can be a sign of instability or uncertainty within a company. But it can also be an opportunity. Companies that are proactive in their succession planning and focus on internal talent development are more likely to weather the storm and come out stronger on the other side.

So, stay tuned, folks. The CFO turnover rate is just one of the many indicators we need to watch in this ever-changing market. And remember, the market hates uncertainty, but it loves a good story. So, let's keep our eyes on the ball and make sure we're telling the right one.