Corporate leadership is changing. In 2025, nearly one in nine CEOs at the largest 1,500 U.S. public companies were replaced. This is not just a routine change. It is a shift toward younger leaders who are expected to handle a fast-moving economy and new technologies.

The average age for new CEOs has dropped to 54. More than 80% of these new hires are taking the CEO role for the first time. Boards are now choosing people with recent experience in difficult market conditions over long-term veterans.

C-Suite Longevity

Even with higher turnover, the CEO remains the longest-serving member of the leadership team. Other roles, like Marketing and Sales, change much more often.

The Opportunity for CIOs

This shift is generally good news for technology leaders.

• Technology is the Priority: In 2026, about 40% of CEOs say their main goal is adopting AI. This makes the CIO a primary partner for the new CEO.
• Longer History: Since the average CIO stays for 5.2 years, they often have more history at the company than a new CEO. This allows the CIO to provide stability during the transition.
• Direct Collaboration: Younger CEOs tend to work more closely with tech leaders to make decisions quickly.

What This Means for Strategy

As CEOs change more frequently, companies risk losing their long-term focus. The CIO's job is to build a reliable technical foundation that stays in place even when the top leadership changes. The most successful tech leaders will focus on how the business works, not just the tools they use.