Demographics
Heidrick & Struggles’ Route to the Top 2023 examines the latest data and trends in new CEO appointments to the largest companies in 27 markets around the world.
Route to the Top
We have compiled key data from each market into the interactive experience below, where you can view aggregated data by market across a range of measures. The dashboard contains comparative data, including demographics, diversity, experience, and appointment type.
Diversity
Education
C-suite experience
Appointment type
Heidrick & Struggles’ CEO & Board Practice has been built on our ability to execute top-level assignments and counsel CEOs and board members on the complex issues directly affecting their businesses.
We pride ourselves on being our clients’ most trusted advisor and offer an integrated suite of services to help manage these challenges and their leadership assets. This ranges from the acquisition of talent through executive search to providing counsel in areas that include succession planning, executive and board assessment, and board effectiveness reviews.
Our CEO & Board Practice leverages our most accomplished search and leadership consulting professionals globally who understand the ever-transforming nature of leadership. This expertise, combined with in-depth industry, sector, and regional knowledge; differentiated research capabilities; and intellectual capital, enables us to provide sound global coverage for our clients.
Leaders of Heidrick & Struggles' CEO & Board Practice
Bonnie Gwin
Global managing partner
bgwin@heidrick.com
Jeffrey Sanders
Global managing partner
jsanders@heidrick.com
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About Heidrick & Struggles’ CEO & Board of Directors Practice
About the research
This year’s Route to the Top draws on an analysis of the profiles of the 1,221 CEOs at the largest companies in 27 markets. The data reflects the CEOs as of June 30, 2023. The date of analysis was September 1, 2023.
Australia and New Zealand (ASX 100 & NZSX 10), Belgium (BEL 20), Brazil (BOVESPA), Canada (TSX 60), Colombia (COLCAP), Denmark (OMX Copenhagen 25), Finland (OMX Helsinki 25), France (CAC 40), Germany (DAX & MDAX), Hong Kong (Hang Seng), Ireland (ISEQ Overall), Italy (FTSE MIB), Kenya (NSE Top 40), Mexico (BMV), the Netherlands (AEX), Norway (OBX), Poland (WIG 20), Portugal (PSI 20), Saudi Arabia (Tadawul), Singapore (STI 30), South Africa (JSE Top 40), Spain (IBEX 35), Sweden (OMX Stockholm 30), Switzerland (SMI Expanded), the United Arab Emirates (ADX & DFM), the United Kingdom (FTSE 100), and the United States (Fortune 100) are included in this report.
Thanks to the following Heidrick & Struggles colleagues for their contributions to this report: Alice Breeden, Les Csorba, Marie-Hélène De Coster, Bonnie Gwin, Jeremy Hanson, David Hui, Jonathan McBride, Jeffrey Sanders, Atif Sheikh, Claire Skinner, and Lyndon Taylor.
Acknowledgments
Our analysis shows that 40% of all global CEOs stepped into the role directly from one of three roles.
Route to the Top |
Most frequent stepping stones to CEO
Since the appointment of the first woman CEO of a Fortune 500 company, in 1963, there are still only 8% around the world.
Route to the Top | Where are all the women CEOs?
Read the full article.
Route to the Top |
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2023