Which nationality of CEOs stay the longest?

Recent research into the average tenure of a CEO has revealed the most long-standing, and the most fleeting, executives – sorting them by European nationality. DHR International’s analysis reveals that the CEO of a CAC 40 company holds their position for an average of just over eight years.

The Executive Search firm found that German businesses have more strict succession plans in place, and so CEOs will not stay in their role any longer than originally intended. However, UK and Dutch CEOs stayed in their position for less time than the Germans. French CEOs had the longest tenure.

“CEOs are under greater scrutiny and pressure than ever before,” added Frank Smeekes, Managing Partner, Europe at DHR International. “Both shareholders and other stakeholders are increasingly engaged but the interests of those stakeholders may be at odds making it difficult for the CEO to keep inside with all constituents.

“The world of social media also puts the CEO under pressure to respond almost instantly to developing threats putting them at more risk of pre-emptive action.”