Market Notes Market Intelligence, November 2, 2026
The CEO Succession Scorecard
U.S. CEO exits are down 19% through September, but interim CEO exits are up 70% and 53% of new CEOs were promoted from within. Five numbers for boards.
For boards and CEOs
The CEO Succession Scorecard
What U.S. CEO exits through September 2026 say about succession.
U.S. CEO exits announced January through September 2026. Source: Challenger, Gray & Christmas, October 2026
- 1,337
- CEO exits announced, down 19%
- 102
- interim CEO exits, up 70%
- 53%
- of new CEOs promoted from within
- 27.9%
- of new CEOs are women, up from 25.1%
- 267
- public company CEO exits, down 22% from the same period of 2025
Fewer exits, more interims. Build the bench now.
Screenshot or save this card for your next board or leadership conversation. Source details are below.
The Signal
Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported on October 27, 2026 that U.S. companies announced 1,337 CEO exits through September, down 19% from the same stretch of 2025. Public company exits fell 22%.
The interim seat tells a different story. 102 interim CEOs have exited so far this year, up 70%, and already more than the 78 recorded in all of 2025.
Meanwhile, 53% of replacement CEOs were promoted from within, up from 49% a year earlier. That bet only pays if the bench was built years earlier, with real P&L experience, time in front of investors, and a CFO and CHRO who can carry the transition. An interim is a bridge, not a plan.
Five Numbers For Your Next Succession Discussion
- 1,337 CEO exits announced through September, down 19%
- 102 interim CEO exits, up 70% and above the 78 in all of 2025
- 53% of new CEOs promoted from within, up from 49%
- 27.9% of new CEOs are women, up from 25.1%
- 267 public company CEO exits, down 22% from the same period of 2025
Source: Challenger, Gray & Christmas, CEO Turnover Report, October 27, 2026 (U.S. CEO exits announced January through September 2026). Curated by Erin Merker, DHR Global.