25793: CFO Matters

How CFOs can turn corporate separation into a growth strategy.Read the cover storySeven things CFOs ned to know about AIFind out more2026 CFO focus: accelerating AI adoption for growth and productivityDuring a recent EY-hosted roundtable, CFOs explored the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI in finance as they prepare for 2026Read full articleIs finance ready to be disruptedHow the finance function can seize the upside of AI disruptionRead full articleCFO ProfileHow Lowe's CFO faces challenges with strategic visionRead moreThe pulse of CFO transitionsBy understanding evolving CFO transition patterns, organizations can strengthen leadership continuity, investor confidence, and long-term value.CFO turnover rate~64% of CFOs exit within 5 yearsTenure and turnoverThe era of long-tenured chief financial officers (CFOs) is fading. Almost two-thirds (approximately 64%) of Fortune 250 CFOs who were appointed to the role between 2016 and 2020 had exited by year five, compared to only 47% of CFOs who were appointed between 2001 and 2015.Board membership~51% will/do sit on boards~59% of new CFOs are first-timersInternal mobility and first-time CFOsInternal promotions remain the most common path to the CFO role; however, the share of first-time CFOs is rising, reflecting a broader talent pool and a willingness to support new leadership. The pipeline now includes more executives with backgrounds in business-unit finance, investor relations and strategy, not just controllers and treasurers, indicating a strategic shift toward more diverse leadership profiles.Internal vs external hires~61% while 39% are externalGender diversity~28% of new appointments (2021-current) are femaleGender and diversityFemale representation in CFO roles has grown significantly over the past decade, with technology, media and consumer sectors taking the lead. However, the overall share of women among Fortune 250 CFOs still lags, highlighting both progress and ongoing opportunity.CFOs moving to CEO roles~8% while 38% move to other C-suite rolesCareer outcomesAt the end of their CFO tenure, nearly 40% of CFOs move into other C-suite roles, with 8% becoming CEOs. Board memberships during and after the CFO role are increasingly common, positioning CFOs as influential voices in governance and strategy.CFOs with full and part-time roles post-tenure~91% most remain active in businessSuccession and developmentAs attrition rises and the CFO mandate expands (digital, environmental, social and governance (ESG), activism), organizations must invest in both current CFOs and their successors. This means broadening the CFO remit, building a healthy pipeline of future leaders and providing exposure to board and cross-functional experiences.Activist campaign exposure~66% faced an activist shareholder campaign since 2016Digital initiatives~48% of CFOs were involved in all digital initiatives since 2021