S’pore sees five CFO appointments in 2025

Retirement accounted for 62% of CFO exits across APAC.

Singapore recorded five CFO appointments in 2025, according to Russell Reynolds Associates’ Global CFO Turnover Index.

The Global CFO Turnover Index tracks departures from major stock indices, including the ASX 200 (Australia), Nikkei 225 (Japan), Hang Seng (Hong Kong), NSE Nifty 50 (India), and STI (Singapore).

Across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, 73 CFOs left their roles, with retirement driving 62% of exits, up from 57% in 2024.

Australia led in appointments with 49, followed by Japan (15), Hong Kong (14), and India (9), bringing the region’s total to 92—well above its seven-year average of 85.

Retirement was the leading cause of departures globally, representing 60% of exits, up from 55% in 2024 and well above the long-term average of 43% since 2019.

Within APAC, retirement accounted for most departures in Australia (71%), Hong Kong (70%), and India (66%).

Japan was an outlier, with just 34% retiring and the majority moving to new positions.

APAC companies maintained a near-even split between internal (47) and external (45) appointments, with first-time CFOs making up 58% of appointments, mirroring the global trend of 57% newcomers versus 43% experienced hires—the latter the highest share in seven years.

The 92 APAC appointments marked the second-highest total on record, just below the 2022 peak of 106.

Globally, CFO hiring reached a seven-year high, with 316 appointments, a 10% increase from 2024.

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