New report reveals first-time CHROs dominating appointments in 2025
Turnover for the chief human resources officer (CHRO) role went up globally in 2025, according to a new report, as chief executives search for alignment in the wake of the expanding CHRO function.
There were a total of 155 CHROs appointed globally in the indices tracked by Russell Reynolds Associates.
This is up 25% year-on-year from the 124 CHRO appointments in 2024, but remains lower than the five-year average of 164 and the post-pandemic high of 202 that was recorded in 2022.
The S&P 500 drove the turnover growth with 64 CHROs appointed, up from 49 in 2024. The FTSE 250 also saw a significant increase to 16 CHRO appointments from nine in the year prior.
The report attributed the growth in CHRO turnover to the growing function of these executives and the need for alignment with CEOs.
"Incoming CEOs frequently reassess the CHRO role—not necessarily as a reflection of performance, but to ensure chemistry and trust," the report read.
"As the CHRO's mandate expands beyond talent management to enterprise-wide transformation and culture change, CEOs are placing greater weight on the strength of their CHRO partnership, with CHRO transitions often reflecting a CEO's search for alignment, rather than a failure of capability."
First-time CHROs dominate
Meanwhile, the report further noted that 60% of CHRO appointments in 2025 were first-timers, with 45% of them being internal CHRO promotions.
CHRO appointments in the Hang Seng, Nifty 50, and Nikkei 225 in 2025 were all first-timers, while 63% of appointments in S&P Global firms were also first-timers.
According to the report, internal CHRO appointments can accelerate both cultural continuity and CEO alignment.
"But also increases the importance of deliberate transition support, clear early priorities, and active sponsorship to give first-time CHROs the runway they need to succeed," it added.
The report stressed the need to ensure a transition plan is part of appointment decision when putting first-timers in the CHRO role.
"There are many practical steps that organisations and first-time CHROs can take before and after their appointment to ensure they land with impact," it stated.
CHRO tenure extends
When it comes to tenure, the average outgoing CHRO tenure inched up slightly to 5.2 years in 2025, from the 4.4 years in 2023 and 4.2 years in 2021.
Sectors with lengthening CHRO tenure include the financial services sector (5.6 years) and the industrial sector (5.1 years).
"Continuity in the face of growing regulatory complexity, a desire for control and risk mitigation around people strategy, and lower levels of industry disruption are likely contributing factors to lengthening tenure in these sectors," the report read.
On the other hand, the consumer sector observed a drop in average CHRO tenure to 4.7 years, while the technology sector CHROs also observed a shortened average tenure of 4.8 years.
The report attributed the situation to heightened disruption in these sectors.
"Consumer businesses continue to navigate tariff impacts and shifting buyer behaviours, while many technology companies are recalibrating strategies and operating models in response to rapid advances in AI," it said.
