It's a gig economy for CEOs these days, too

A new survey reveals a significant increase in CEOs taking on short-term roles, with 33% of new CEOs appointed in the first half of 2025 being interim CEOs. This marks a dramatic rise from the 5-9% range of previous years, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The firm has tracked CEO exits for over 20 years and notes that more executives are embracing short-term CEO roles, creating a "CEO gig economy." This trend is driven by executives who guided organizations through the pandemic and are now returning on their own terms. The fractional executive trend is not new, but it's becoming more prominent in the C-suite. This shift is part of a larger workplace revolution, following five years of changes in where and how people work. The rise of interim CEOs is a significant development in the modern workplace. It allows executives to dip in and out of the C-suite, taking on short-term roles that offer flexibility and autonomy. This trend is likely to continue, as more executives seek to balance their work and personal lives. The "CEO gig economy" is becoming an attractive option for many leaders, offering a new way to approach their careers.