Indian CEOs Exit Surge: Boards Demand AI Savvy

Indian companies are witnessing a notable surge in CEO transitions, with the first half of 2025 mirroring the turnover rates of the Covid-19 pandemic's peak in 2020. This acceleration in leadership changes reflects a shift in board dynamics, characterized by quicker decision-making and a sharper focus on executive performance.

Boards are increasingly prioritizing candidates who possess a strong blend of business acumen and the ability to steer companies through the complexities of artificial intelligence, automation, and evolving global uncertainties. This strategic pivot underscores the transformative impact of technology on corporate leadership expectations, demanding continuous learning and adaptability.

Despite these evolving demands, a significant diversity deficit remains apparent, with women occupying only a small percentage of CEO roles. Addressing this long-term challenge requires fostering greater representation in critical profit and loss positions to build a more robust pipeline for future leadership. Additionally, the trend of Indian-origin CEOs ascending to global leadership positions is projected to accelerate.