As companies appoint new CEOs and institute sweeping workforce change efforts, CHRO appointments have also surged, according to Russell Reynolds Associates’ Q3 2025 CHRO Turnover Index.
There were 127 CHROs appointed globally in Q1-Q3 2025, the report said, led by the S&P 500, which appointed 59 CHROS — the highest number for that index since 2020.
These new appointments may be led by new CEOs prioritizing workforce transformation, who opt to hire CHROs as partners in company transformations, Russell Reynolds said.
Notably, new appointments also point to increased turnover in the role — and technology companies led in new CHROs, with just over 1 in 4 companies making a new CHRO appointment in Q1-Q3 2025.
“Rapid change and high expectations from investors have likely increased the pressure on HR leadership, causing a higher rate of change than in other sectors,” the report said regarding the status of tech CHROs.
While CHRO tenure edged up in the overall index, that trend was due to the longer tenures of outgoing S&P 500 CHROs; in other indices tracked by the firm, average tenure actually decreased. CHROs, the firm noted, have high visibility in change initiatives which can make them “more exposed” when progress stalls.
However, the percentage of first-time appointees rose, and more than 3 in 4 were internal successors, “reflecting companies’ confidence in their succession planning and the growing value placed on leaders who understand internal dynamics and culture,” the report said.
Other studies and reports point to the growing importance of the CHRO amid the various paradoxes the role faces. A recent report from The Josh Bersin Company noted the profound contradictions CHROs must navigate, including an expectation to modernize workforces without enough resources or recognition.
For example, while the role itself continues to expand in importance, corporate boards often lead the conversation in driving talent strategy, rather than CHROs, per a November DSG Global report.
