Insights
Russell Reynolds Associates: Why Women CEOs Leave Sooner – and How Boards Can Help All CEOs Thrive
Women CEOs’ tenures are, on average, three years shorter than men’s. Why?
Russell Reynolds Associates has reported extensively on the common obstacles many women leaders face on their journeys to the top. Yet these obstacles don’t disappear once women make it there. This is perhaps best illustrated by data from RRA’s CEO Turnover Index, which found that, since 2018, women CEOs hold the role for an average of 5.2 years, while their male counterparts served for an average of 7.9 years—equating to men spending more than 50% longer in seat.
While there are many different reasons and contributing factors leading to a CEO’s departure, research shows that four overarching themes rise to the surface:
- More Likely to be Fired, Regardless of Performance
- Differing Motivations
- Heightened Media Scrutiny
- The Glass Cliff
Continue reading to better understand the causes behind shorter tenures among women CEOs.