The Robert Half FTSE 100 CEO Tracker

Trends and insights

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.

Top findings

Two-thirds (68%) of CEOs were appointed through internal promotion, up from 46 per cent in 2019, suggesting that organisations are enhancing their succession planning strategies

More than two fifths of CEOs (42%) have a background in finance and banking, despite only 19 of the top 100 companies belong to the financial sector

Around half (47%) have achieved some form of post-graduate qualification, but Oxbridge is losing its grip on the top roles, dropping to 4 per cent from 18 per cent

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CFOs win out

The financial downturn and uncertainty triggered by the pandemic has also had an impact on boards CEO hiring strategies, which explains why finance, banking and accountancy are amongst the most popular backgrounds.

Men still outnumber women 10:1

Despite attempts by businesses to increase diversity, the findings reveal that only nine women hold the top position in FTSE 100 companies.

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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