CEO tenure in Singapore longer than global average

The global average is 6.8 years.

CEOs in Singapore stayed in their roles for an average of 8.8 years, according to data from the Global CEO Turnover Index by Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA).

This exceeds the global average of 6.8 years.

In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, CEO turnover stood at 7% in the first half of 2025 (H1 2025), with 43 CEOs stepping down. This translates to a 9% drop from the same period last year.

Japan was the biggest contributor, accounting for more than half of the region’s exits with 23 CEO exits.

Elsewhere in the region, turnover remained relatively steady, with rates at 2.4% in Hong Kong, 6% in Australia, and 8% in India.

Most CEO replacements came from within companies. Internal promotions made up 82.5% of new appointments, suggesting that succession plans are well in place in Singapore and the region.

Amongst these appointments, 33 were internal candidates and seven external, with 38 men and two women assuming CEO roles. Notably, 36 were first-time CEOs.

Male CEOs continue to predominate in leadership changes.

Men made up 98% of CEO departures in APAC and continue to dominate new appointments globally, with 104 out of 114 new CEOs being men, including 38 out of 40 in APAC.