What are the trends at the top, and how did some of the world’s most influential business leaders get to where they are today? The CEOs of the FTSE 100 are some of the most influential business leaders in the world, expertly navigating their organisations through challenges and identifying opportunities that can keep them moving forward. But how did they get there? Robert Half’s FTSE 100 CEO Tracker investigates hiring trends and tracks the career paths of those at the top.

1. FTSE 100
CEO Tracker
May 2022
Britain’s bosses & their route to the top

2. Getting to the top
reached the top
spot through
internal promotion
entered their
company as CEO
68%
31%
Longest tenure
have started their role since 2020
Should I stay or go?

3. 9% women
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
Average characteristics
91% men
oldest youngest average
UK EU ROW
EDUCATION
AGE
OxBridge MBAs PhDs

4. During a financial downturn, it becomes common to
promote more Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) to the
top job, which might explain the high proportion of
CEOs with a background in finance.
We are seeing more appetite for CFOs to take over
running companies as the strategic mind-set and
strong financial acumen they bring are widely
recognised as being vital for navigating companies
through a financial downturn. However, as the
economy improves, companies will look to employ
visionaries to focus on growth and recovery.
Most common
career backgrounds
have a background in
finance & accounting
are chartered accountants
or mgmt. accountants
42%
16%
Managing Director ES
“
MARKETING & MEDIA 16%
9%
5%
3%
ENGINEERING & NAT. RESOURCES
RETAIL & HOSPITALITY
TECHNOLOGY

5. During a financial downturn, it becomes common
to promote more Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
to the top job, which might explain the high
proportion of CEOs with a background in finance.
We are seeing more appetite for CFOs to take
over running companies as the strategic mind-
set and strong financial acumen they bring are
widely recognised as being vital for navigating
companies through a financial downturn.
However, as the economy improves, companies
will look to employ visionaries to focus on growth
and recovery.
About the research
Managing Director ES
“
Robert Half commissioned global
consulting firm (and wholly owned
subsidiary) Protiviti to undertake
analysis of data of the FTSE Top 100
Companies as of 9th March 2022 from
the London Stock Exchange, via the
Protiviti Knowledge & Innovation Centre.
Data has been gathered for Financial
Year 2020 and recognises changes to
the FTSE 100 that are due to take
effect on 21st March 2022.
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