Survey on CEOs of Finnish listed companies 2025
In early March 2025, we collected data on the CEOs and backgrounds of 182 Finnish listed companies. We examined the CEOs' age, gender distribution, nationality, and educational background. We also analyzed the current length of CEO tenures and the paths that lead to the top of listed companies.
This data was analyzed and compiled into Chief’s third CEO Survey, which you can download and read.
The decline in CEO tenure: A growing trend
Our third CEO Survey reveals a worrying trend: the tenures of CEOs at listed companies are shortening. From the perspective of Finland’s national economy and organizational health, this can be seen as a concerning development, since research shows that long-term CEO leadership supports better results and sustainable strategic development.
Nearly half of listed companies replaced their CEO between 2023 and 2025
Between 2023 and 2025, 81 new CEO appointments were made in the current listed companies, meaning the CEO changed in 45% of them.
However, during this period, a significant and positive trend is the increased number of internal appointments—CEOs are increasingly being chosen from within the company. This reflects trust in internal capabilities and a strategic choice to invest in continuity.
Good leadership doesn’t happen in isolation. A CEO’s success should be the top priority for everyone—especially the board. We believe that a well-supported CEO and a board committed to enabling their success are key to building thriving companies that carry Finland forward sustainably.
Dive deeper into the results by downloading the report!
