Short answer: A change of CEO is now one of the strongest predictors of a CTO search. Russell Reynolds Associates counted a record 234 CEO departures across major global indices in 2025, 21% above the 8-year average. In 2026, new CEOs at Disney, Xbox, Smartsheet and Chewy each named a new CTO or AI chief, most within about 3 to 7 months of taking over.

Key takeaways

• 234 CEOs left their roles across global indices in 2025, up 16% on 2024 (Russell Reynolds).
• Departures within 30 to 36 months rose 79%, so new leadership teams form more often.
• 3 months: the gap between Asha Sharma becoming Xbox CEO and Xbox naming a new CTO.
• 76% of organizations now have a chief AI officer, up from 26% a year earlier (IBM), adding a second technology seat new CEOs must fill or redesign.

Why does a new CEO often mean a new CTO?

New CEOs arrive with a mandate, usually growth, margin or an AI agenda, and technology sits under all 3. They want a technology chief who shares their plan and reports directly to them. The result is either a new role (Disney's first CTO), a promotion from interim (Intel) or a new AI leadership seat (Smartsheet).

Which 2026 examples show the pattern?

[Table 1]

How big is the CEO turnover wave?

[Table 2]

Average outgoing CEO tenure fell to 7.1 years in 2025, from 8.3 years in 2021 and 2023, according to Russell Reynolds data reported by HR Director. With CTO and CIO tenure averaging about 4.6 years (see tenure data), a CTO in seat today has a high chance of serving under a new CEO.

What should CHROs do before the CEO changes?

1. Map the technology bench now. Identify 2 to 3 internal successors for the CTO and any AI leadership role.
2. Agree a decision window. Give the incoming CEO 60 to 90 days to assess the current CTO before any search.
3. Clarify CTO versus chief AI officer scope. IBM found 77% of CEOs see talent and technology leadership roles converging; decide where AI sits before hiring.
4. Benchmark pay early. New CEOs tend to recruit from AI companies and big tech. See AI-native CTO compensation.
5. Pre-qualify a search firm. A confidential search can start the week the CEO decides. See how to choose a CTO search firm.

What does the new CEO usually want in a CTO?

• Production AI experience, not strategy alone.
• Data platform credibility; Disney's CEO named data unification an enterprise priority.
• Speed: leaders who have shipped at start-up pace inside a large company.
• Executive presence to report to the CEO and present to the board.

Related reading: October 2026 CTO appointments and 2026 CTO departures.

Frequently asked questions

Do new CEOs replace the CTO?

Often. In 2026, new CEOs at Disney, Xbox, Intel and Smartsheet each made a CTO or AI leadership appointment after taking over, most within about 3 to 7 months, though some confirmed internal or interim leaders rather than hiring externally.

How many CEOs left in 2025?

Russell Reynolds Associates counted 234 CEO departures across major global indices in 2025, 21% above the 8-year average.

When should a CHRO start a CTO search after a CEO change?

Most companies give the new CEO 60 to 90 days to assess the current technology leadership. CHROs can use that window to map successors and select a search partner.

Is a chief AI officer replacing the CTO?

Not usually. IBM found 76% of organizations had a chief AI officer in 2026, but most keep a CTO for platforms and engineering. The key is defining who owns AI infrastructure and products.

Hiring a CTO or building a technology leadership bench? See CTO Club hiring resources or apply to join CTO Club.