The rate of new women CEOs rose compared to the same period in 2025, according to a report from global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. The rate of new CEOs who are women stands at 26.9% year-to-date, up from 25.3% in the same period of 2025 and ahead of last year's full-year rate of 25.4%. "The fact that the share has held up through a slower market suggests boards are continuing to develop and promote diverse leadership pipelines rather than letting them lapse," says Andy Challenger, chief revenue officer for the firm. ([email protected])