economy
CFO turnover at America's largest companies is on pace to hit 18.3%—the highest since the pandemic
Good morning. CFO turnover is accelerating at the nation’s largest public companies, according to newly released data in Crist Kolder Associates’ mid-year 2026 Volatility Report, shared with CFO Daily.
TL;DR
- CFO turnover for 2026 is projected to reach 18.3%, up from 18.2% in 2020 and 19.3% in 2019.
- The historical average for CFO turnover over the past 10 years is 16%.
- Reasons for turnover include retirement and stepping into new roles like leading turnarounds or AI initiatives.
- Notable CFO changes occurred at AT&T, Caterpillar, Oracle, Nike, and Pfizer.
- The average age of a CFO in 2026 is projected to be 48, down from 52 in 2025.
- The average tenure of a sitting CFO is 4.5 years.
- Newly appointed CFOs only come from another sitting CFO position approximately 25% of the time, suggesting a need to tap into younger talent.