Why Women CEOs Leave Sooner – and How Boards Can Help All CEOs Thrive
Women CEOs’ tenures are, on average, three years shorter than men’s. Why? Russell Reynolds Associates has reported extensively on the common obstacles many women leaders face on their journeys to the top. Yet these obstacles don’t disappear once women make it there. This is perhaps best illustrated by data from RRA’s CEO Turnover Index, which found that, since […]
Margot McShane and Hetty Pye are Co-Leaders of the firm’s Board & CEO Advisory Partners at Russell Reynolds Associates. This post is based on a Russell Reynolds memorandum by Ms. McShane, Ms. Pye, Dana Krueger, and Leah Christianson.
Women CEOs’ tenures are, on average, three years shorter than men’s. Why?
Russell Reynolds Associates has reported extensively on the common obstacles many women leaders face on their journeys to the top. Yet these obstacles don’t disappear once women make it there. This is perhaps best illustrated by data from RRA’s CEO Turnover Index, which found that, since 2018, women CEOs hold the role for an average of 5.2 years, while their male counterparts served for an average of 7.9 years—equating to men spending more than 50% longer in seat.
While there are many different reasons and contributing factors leading to a CEO’s departure, research shows that four overarching themes rise to the surface (more…)
