SA’s CEOs are deeply experienced – but lag on global exposure, report shows

SOUTH Africa’s top CEOs stand out for their depth of experience and strong institutional knowledge - but they trail far behind their global peers in international mobility and cross-sector experience.

- PHILIPPA LARKIN

That's according to Route to the Top 2025, a report from global leadership advisory firm Heidrick & Struggles, which analysed the profiles of 1 232 CEOs of major companies across 27 markets, including the JSE Top 40.

The data shows that 95% of South Africa’s CEOs have held a C-suite role before taking the top job, compared with 77% globally. Nearly half (48%) have previously served as a CEO, versus 42% worldwide.

South Africa also has a higher share of CEOs with prior functional leadership experience: 23% have been CFOs (compared with 21% globally) and 28% have served as COOs (versus 22% globally). This depth of experience is further reinforced by internal succession patterns, as 65% of South Africa's CEOs were promoted from within their organisations, and 5% are founders, while only 30% joined the company less than a year before being appointed CEO.

According to Allen Shardelow, a partner at Heidrick & Struggles South Africa, the report demonstrates that local CEOs are exceptionally seasoned leaders by international standards.