What career path most frequently leads to a CFO appointment?

What career path most frequently leads to a CFO appointment?

The 2025 CFO Pathways Report by Eton Bridge Partners Ltd reveals a global shift in how CFOs are appointed, developed, & expected to lead

📊 Based on 6,400 appointments across 10 major markets, 🚀 The CFO Role Is Evolving 🐛 🦋 — Fast 🚅

Key insights:

1. Internal promotions dominate - 65% of CFOs were promoted from within — especially in Japan (86%) & the UK (61%). Boards are betting on trusted insiders

2. Private equity is shaping the market - PE-backed firms are driving demand for CFOs with funding, exit, & transformation experience — especially in the US, UK, Germany, Sweden, & China

3. Sector loyalty continues to remain strong - Most CFOs are hired from within the same industry. Japan leads with 97% sector loyalty; Sweden is the most flexible at 82%

4. Diversity is rising — albeit slowly 🦥. Globally, 26% of CFO appointments were female. China (30%) & Sweden (28%) lead, but many markets lag behind

5. First-time CFOs are getting their shot - Boards are cautiously opening up to emerging talent — especially in India (37%) & Japan (45%)

6. The CFO remit is expanding - Today’s CFOs are not just financial stewards. They’re strategic operators, digital leaders, & often CEO successors as is the case with Nick Read, Margherita Della Valle, Colman Deegan and countless other CFOs at Vodafone

💡 What #Boards want:

1. Proven track records in M&A, exits, & transformation

2. Sector depth and cross-functional leadership

3. Visibility & influence — especially in hybrid environments

💡 Whether you're an aspiring CFO or hiring one, the message is clear: Experience matters. But adaptability, strategic thinking, & leadership presence are what set candidates apart

📣 Did you know that targeted executive coaching is one of the most effective ways you can break into a CFO role as a FD?

But don't take my word for it. Take it from a Senior Vice President of Finance & Accounting who post our coaching engagement was promoted to CFO

He described the coaching as follows:

💬 “The coaching program with Navid helped me to understand myself better & the Double Diamond Framework was a comprehensive framework for my executive transition. Through Navid’s coaching, I approached many challenges in a structured & thoughtful way. The programme gave me an entirely new and unique perspective in terms of transitioning into my first executive role. And I feel privileged to have been coached by Navid.”