Singapore records zero CEO exits as APAC appointments jump 73% in Q1

The average global CEO tenure rose to 10 years as boards prioritised continuity.

Singapore recorded no CEO departures in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, according Russell Reynolds Associates’ latest Global CEO Turnover Index, a stark contrast to CEO appointments rising 73% year on year (YoY) across Asia Pacific (APAC).

Russell Reynolds Associates said 26 incoming CEOs were appointed in the region out of 77 globally with 73% of appointments were internal hires, slightly above the global average of 69%.

Australia and India recorded higher levels of external appointments, with external hires accounting for 45% and 33% of appointments, respectively.

The firm also reported that average outgoing CEO tenure globally rose to 10 years in Q1 2026, up from 6.6 years in the same period a year earlier.

Sector data showed average outgoing CEO tenure reached 11.9 years in financial services, 10.6 years in healthcare, and 11.7 years in industrial services.

In APAC, average outgoing CEO tenure varied across markets. India recorded an average tenure of 11.3 years, whilst Hong Kong recorded 3.4 years.

“What we’re seeing in Q1 2026 is a succession environment shaped by readiness, credibility, and continuity,” said Euan Kenworthy, Singapore’s country lead for Russell Reynolds Associates.

“Boards are placing a premium on leaders who can step in and perform quickly, whilst continuing to favour internal pipelines that provide organisational familiarity and strategic alignment,” he added.

The report tracked CEO departures across companies listed on major stock indices, including the Straits Times Index (STI), ASX 200, Hang Seng Index, Nikkei 225, and NSE Nifty 50.

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