Dr. Gleb Tsipursky – The Office Whisperer
Nirit Cohen – WorkFutures
Angela Howard – Culture Expert
Drew Jones – Design & Innovation
Jonathan Price – CRE & Flex Expert
American companies are seeing an unprecedented number of chief executives leave their posts in 2025, reflecting mounting stress in the business environment. According to a new report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, 123 CEOs exited their roles in July alone, bringing the total for the year so far to 1,358. This marks the highest number recorded since the firm began tracking CEO changes in 2002, according to Newsweek.
While July’s total was down from the 207 recorded in June, the cumulative figure for 2025 represents a 9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The wave of leadership changes spans across industries, with sectors such as government, nonprofits, technology, healthcare, and entertainment among the most affected.
Sectors Facing the Greatest Turnover
Nonprofit and government organizations continue to lead in CEO departures, with 286 exits so far this year. The technology sector follows with 149, healthcare and related services with 133, and the entertainment and leisure industry with 111. Retail, which has faced significant financial strain in 2025, has recorded 38 CEO exits—a doubling from last year.
Several high-profile retail departures have occurred amid challenging conditions, including declining consumer spending and the effects of tariffs. The financial strain has added pressure on executive teams to meet expectations in a difficult climate.
Multiple Reasons Behind Executive Departures
Not all CEO exits are due to performance issues or internal problems. Some executives are choosing to step down voluntarily, with 464 citing personal decisions or planned leadership transitions. Retirement has been another frequent reason, accounting for 303 exits. In 127 cases, CEOs left to pursue other opportunities.Â
However, 276 departures offered no official explanation, making this the most common category in the report.
The average age of departing CEOs rose to 70.3 in July, up from 56.2 a year earlier. At the same time, average tenure declined to 11 years from 13.3. Other global research supports this trend, with data showing a continuing drop in the average time executives remain in the top position.
Leadership Under Pressure
Executives are being asked to manage a growing range of responsibilities during economic uncertainty, new technologies, and changing organizational goals. The fast pace of change in business operations, rising stakeholder scrutiny, and complex regulatory conditions are all contributing to a more demanding role for top leaders.
In many cases, boards appear to be seeking new leadership to bring fresh direction. The challenge of matching organizations with executives who can meet these demands is becoming more difficult, particularly in sectors that are under financial or political pressure.
