Hospitals reported 15 CEO exits in April — a 150% increase from six in March and the same percentage increase from April 2024.
The finding is from a June 3 report from executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas that examines CEO turnover in the U.S.
Hospitals announced 46 CEO exits in the first four months of 2025, compared to 40 during the same period in 2024, according to the report.
Across 29 industries and sectors, 860 CEOs announced departures in the first four months of 2025, up 15% from the 748 CEO exits from January to April last year. This is the highest January-to-April total on record, according to the report.
In April specifically, 214 CEO exits were reported — a 21% increase from 177 in March.
“The second quarter has become a talent and workforce planning period for many companies. We’re increasingly seeing more job cuts announced in the second quarter than at other times of the year,” said Andrew Challenger, senior vice president and labor expert for Challenger.
“For many companies, mid-year is the fiscal year-end, and major workforce announcements are occurring in April,” he added.
“Meanwhile, companies are gaining clarity on how 2025 is shaping up. Some CEOs are choosing this time to step away — others are being asked to. Boards are looking for leaders who can navigate uncertainty and course-correct quickly,” he added.
In healthcare, Becker’s has reported at least 78 hospital and health system CEO exits since Jan. 2, including retirements and resignations.
