The finding is from a March 4 report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an executive coaching firm that examines CEO turnover in the U.S.
For the full 2024 calendar year, hospitals reported 104 CEO exits, a 29% decrease from 146 in 2023, according to the report.
Across the 29 industries and sectors measured by Challenger, 222 CEOs announced their departures in January 2025, a 3% decrease from 230 in December and a 14% increase from 194 in January 2024. January 2025’s total marks the highest total since Challenger began tracking CEO changes in 2002.
“Due to the ongoing political and economic uncertainty, many companies may find now to be a prudent time to change leadership,” Andrew Challenger, senior vice president and labor expert for Challenger, said in the report.
Within healthcare, Becker’s has reported 42 hospital and health system CEO departures since Dec. 18, including retirements.
