CHRO Turnover 2025: 15% Increase | Becker’s Hospital Review
CHRO turnover surged in early 2025, marking a 15% global increase, signaling major shifts in talent development and internal pipelines. The data reveals a complex landscape,with departures 32% above the six-year average and average tenure dipping to 4.1 years. This trend highlights the growing demand placed on human resources leadership. recent reports from Russell Reynolds Associates, and News Directory 3 data, shed light on why organizations are restructuring strategies for internal talent. Internal hires also rose, accounting for 58% of appointments. What does this mean for the future of HR leadership? discover what’s next …
CHRO Turnover Rises Amid Talent Advancement Focus
Updated June 11, 2025
Chief human resources officer (CHRO) turnover saw a meaningful increase in the first quarter of 2025, according to a recent report. Data from Russell Reynolds Associates indicates a 15% rise globally compared to the same period last year.This trend highlights shifts in talent development strategies and internal pipelines within organizations.
The Russell reynolds’ CHRO Turnover Index analyzed appointments and exits across 1,822 companies, including those in the S&P 500. The report underscores the growing importance of human resources leadership in navigating evolving workplace dynamics.
Notably, the first quarter saw 54 CHRO departures, a figure 32% higher than the six-year average of 41. More than half of these exits occurred within S&P 500 companies. The average tenure for departing CHROs also decreased, falling to 4.1 years from 4.5 years in the first quarter of 2024, and significantly below the six-year average of 6.1 years.
Interestingly, internal hires accounted for 58% of all CHRO appointments during the first quarter, up from 50% in the same period of 2024. Russell reynolds suggests this increase reflects a strategic emphasis on internal talent cultivation amid broader economic uncertainties.
What’s next
Organizations may continue to prioritize internal talent development programs to mitigate the impact of CHRO turnover and ensure leadership continuity. The focus on internal pipelines could become a defining characteristic of HR strategies in the coming years.