India Inc Sees Rise In CEO Exits Amid Tighter Oversight

In the first half of 2025, 16 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of BSE 200 firms stepped down, a rate last seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, with nearly 40% of transitions occurring within three years, according to the Spencer Stuart CEO Transition Study.

James Citrin, Chair of Spencer Stuart’s CEO practice, said Boards are acting faster, focusing on performance and carefully choosing leaders from inside or outside the company. Indian Boards now seek CEOs who can manage business alongside AI, analytics, and automation. The study highlighted a gender gap, with only six women appointed CEOs since 2020, linked to limited general-management experience. It also found that CEOs of ‘family-owned, professionally run’ firms outperformed others. Citrin noted the rise of Indian-origin global CEOs is likely to continue due to India’s education pipeline and US tech opportunities.