Header Logo
Home About Book Speaking Store Newsletter Podcasts Assessment Contact
← Back to all posts

CEO Transitions in 2023: A Comparative Analysis of Europe and the United States

Sep 11, 2024
Connect

Mastering Leadership Transitions: Timeless Advice for C-Suite Executives

 

This weekly newsletter shares leadership insights, strategies and actionable steps for senior leaders and aspiring ones.
 
IMPORTANT: If you would prefer not to receive future editions, you can easily opt-out by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email.
 
Thank you for being part of my journey, and I look forward to sharing my most valuable content with you!

Spencer Stuart has recently published their 2023 CEO Transition data for Europe and the US. As always, I've done the reading & summarizing on your behalf, so you can save your most precious asset, namely your time :

 

In 2023, CEO transitions have shown distinct trends across Europe and the United States, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities in each region.

 

Coverage: The report covers CEO transitions in major European stock indices + the S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400, & S&P SmallCap 600

 

# of Transitions

Europe: 39 CEO transitions across 354 companies

US: 136 CEO transitions across the S&P

 

Gender Diversity

Europe: 5 out of 39 CEOs appointed were women (13%)

US: Gender diversity data not explicitly provided

 

Other Trends and Observations

Europe: CEO transitions have bounced back to pre-pandemic levels. The highest turnover was in the UK (17%), while Belgium had no permanent transitions

 

US: Transitions have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. The average age of incoming CEOs is two years older than in 2022, and nearly 20% of new S&P 500 CEOs had previous CEO experience

 

Europe: The highest proportion of transitions occurred in the TMTS sector, while the most actual transitions happened in industrial companies

US: Boards are increasingly valuing attributes like strategic thinking, agility, and empathy in new CEOs

 

#Boards are prioritizing strategic thinking, agility, and empathy in new CEOs to navigate complex business challenges.

 

In summary: Both regions are navigating the post-pandemic landscape with unique strategies and priorities. In Europe, the focus is on bouncing back and leveraging sector-specific strengths, while in the U.S., there’s a clear shift towards experienced leadership and adaptive capabilities.

 

As we move forward, understanding these trends can help boards and executives make informed decisions to drive their organizations towards success.

 

BTW: Did you know that one of the most effective ways of supporting incoming CEOs is through targeted transition coaching?

 

But don't take my word for it, take it from a recent CEO client of mine:

 

“I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your support and coaching in my development as a CEO. Your coaching has helped me to define a clear vision for our company, develop a strategic plan for my team, and enhance my self-awareness substantially. The coaching has been crucial in my journey to become a more effective leader. Your coaching not only helped me navigate the initial transition challenges but also empowered me to make impactful decisions that align with our long-term goals. I’d like to thank you for your invaluable support.”


 

About Navid Nazemian

 
Ranked as the world’s #1 Executive Coach by CEO Today for the 2nd year running, I use interventions that are designed to overcome obstacles quickly. Over the last 2 decades, I have helped hundreds of executives successfully eliminate unproductive thinking and solve their toughest, most complex challenges. In return, they have supported their organisations to build world-class cultures primed to create new markets, accelerate performance, increase productivity, and develop game-changing value propositions.
 

5 more ways to connect with me and my work:

  1. For more articles, tips, and insights, connect with me on LinkedIn
  2. Make sure you never miss an issue of my Newsletter by hitting the "Subscribe" button
  3. Ring the bell on my LinkedIn profile to be notified every time I share my top tips 
  4. Reach out to me directly at hello@masteringexecutivetransitions.com if you have a need for coaching, keynote speaking or would like to place a bulk book order for your organisation
  5. Buy my international best-selling book 'Mastering Executive Transitions: The Definitive Guide'

 

Marshall Goldsmith says it‘s „The ultimate guide to executive transitions to help leaders achieve their highest potential.“

Prof. Dave Ulrich names it „The compendium book on transitions, a critical topic in these days of uncertainty & change.“

Dr. Hannes Ametsreiter
 says it „provides brilliant insights on what makes successful careers.“
 
What's Next? Stay tuned for upcoming newsletter editions where I'll be sharing fresh and actionable insights about the world of leadership. 
 
I really would love for you to join this conversation!  Do let me know what you make of this newsletter edition.
 
Warm wishes,
 
Navid
Is the Global Workplace at a Breaking Point ?!
    Leadership Mastery: Timeless Advice for C-Suite Executives       ---    Featured Events & Training For coaches, I recently ran two identical webinars on the topic of Mastering Executive Transition Coaching. Send me a reply message if you couldn't attend and would like to receive the link to the recording. Recently, I was inv...
Why Sustainability Talk Is Cheap But Bold Action Gets Real Results
  Leadership Mastery: Timeless Advice for C-Suite Executives       ---    Featured Events & Training For coaches, I recently ran two identical webinars on the topic of Mastering Executive Transition Coaching. Send me a reply message if you couldn't attend and would like to receive the link to the recording. Recently, I was invit...
Ready to Win in Tomorrow's Tech-Powered Workplace?
Leadership Mastery: Timeless Advice for C-Suite Executives       ---    Featured Events & Training For coaches, I recently ran two identical webinars on the topic of Mastering Executive Transition Coaching. Send me a reply message if you couldn't attend and would like to receive the link to the recording. Recently, I was invited...
Home About Book Speaking Store Newsletter Podcasts Assessment Contact
© 2025 Navid Nazemian

Stay Connected


Join my Newsletter to receive
Timeless Advice for C-Suite Executives