Short answer: Technology executives typically stay in role for about 4.6 to 5 years. A Korn Ferry study of the top 1,000 US companies found an average tenure of 4.6 years for CIOs and CTOs, compared with 6.9 years for CEOs. A later Korn Ferry analysis of Fortune 100 companies, reported by CIO Dive in 2024, put CIO tenure at just over 5 years, with 4 years in financial services and 6 in healthcare.

Key tech executive tenure data at a glance

• 4.6 years average tenure for CIOs and CTOs in the top 1,000 US companies (Korn Ferry).
• 6.9 years average CEO tenure, the longest in the C-suite (Korn Ferry).
• Just over 5 years average CIO tenure in the Fortune 100 (Korn Ferry, 2024).
• 4 years in financial services and 6 years in healthcare (Korn Ferry, 2024).
• 55 is the average age of Fortune 100 CIOs, up from 51 in 2017 for Fortune 1000 CIOs.

[Table 1]

How does tenure vary by industry?

[Table 2]

Financial services sees the shortest tenure, reflecting heavy regulatory pressure, fast-moving fintech competition and frequent transformation programs. Healthcare technology leaders stay longest, often because system replacements take many years. For fintech-specific hiring advice, see how to hire a fintech CTO.

Why do CTOs and CIOs leave?

• Mandate change. A new CEO, owner or strategy often brings a new technology leader.
• Transformation cycles. Many CTOs are hired for a specific program and move on when it ends.
• AI pressure. Boards now expect technology leaders to deliver AI results quickly. IBM's 2026 CEO Study found 77% of CEOs say talent and technology leadership roles are converging, which reshapes the job.
• Private equity timelines. In PE-backed companies, technology leaders often change at each ownership transition.
• Burnout. Forbes, citing DDI research, reports that 40% of stressed leaders have considered leaving.

What does this mean for CEOs and boards?

1. Plan succession from day 1. With average tenure under 5 years, identify internal successors early.
2. Clarify the mandate. Tenure is longer when the CTO's scope and decision rights match the company's strategy. See CTO vs VP of Engineering.
3. Build a strong second line. A capable VP of Engineering or deputy CTO reduces the risk of a sudden departure.
4. Run a structured search. Use the hiring resources, including the first 90 days plan, to shorten the gap between leaders.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average tenure of a CTO?

About 4.6 years for CIOs and CTOs in the top 1,000 US companies, according to Korn Ferry, and just over 5 years for Fortune 100 CIOs in its 2024 analysis.

Which C-suite role has the longest tenure?

The CEO, at about 6.9 years on average in Korn Ferry's study.

Which industry has the shortest CIO tenure?

Financial services, at about 4 years, according to Korn Ferry's 2024 Fortune 100 analysis.

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