Through the first five months of this year, 782 CEO exits have been announced, down 24% from the 1,028 recorded in the same period last year, according to a report from global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. While May's total rose slightly from April's low, it remains the second-lightest month this year. "Boards are turning over leaders at a markedly slower rate than a year ago," says Andy Challenger, chief revenue officer for the firm. Founder departures reached a new 2026 monthly high, with 25 of the CEOs who left in May having founded the companies they led, the firm says. "As private companies mature and pursue capital or sale events, founders are increasingly handing the reins to professional operators," Challenger says.(jessica.coacci@wsj.com)
Dow Jones Newswires
Boards Are Turning Over Leaders At Slower Rate — Market Talk
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Through the first five months of this year, 782 CEO exits have been announced, down 24% from the 1,028 recorded in the same period last year, according to a report from global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. While May's total rose slightly from April's low, it remains the second-l…