What does the average CEO of an ASX 200-listed company look like? Through compiling data and trends of Australia's top executives, find out what it takes to be an ASX 200-listed CEO with Robert Half's CEO Tracker.

1. What does the average CEO of an
ASX 200-listed company look like?
Find out the latest CEO trends.
Robert Half’s CEO Tracker is your easy gateway to discover common CEO trends and
qualities amongst Australia’s top business leaders.

2. SNAPSHOT – WHO IS THE AVERAGE CEO OF AN ASX 200-LISTED COMPANY?
A MAN
94%
are male
SYDNEY-BASED
47%
are based
in Sydney
FINANCIAL
BACKGROUND
50%
have a
background
in finance
INTERNATIONAL
WORK EXPERIENCE
59%
have worked
internationally

3. HOW ABOUT THE EDCUATION OF AUSTRALIA’S CEOs LISTED ON THE ASX 200?
DEGREE
17%
of ASX-listed
CEOs do not have
a degree
UNDERGRADUATE
DEGREE
82%
hold an
undergraduate
degree
POSTGRADUATE
DEGREE
54%
hold a
postgraduate
degree
WHILE THERE’S NO EXACT FORMULA FOR SECURING NEW HIRES, INCLUDING AT THE
C-LEVEL, IF YOU CAN SHOWCASE REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE ALONGSIDE ACADEMIC
CREDENTIALS, YOU SET YOURSELF UP FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAREER.

4. CEO TRENDS! MOST POPULAR DEGREES
ANY POSTGRADUATE DEGREE CAN BE USEFUL FOR WINNING A SENIOR MANAGEMENT ROLE.
ADVICE! COMPLEMENT THESE SKILLS WITH INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE AND PRACTICAL SKILLS.
TOP 5 MOST POPULAR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES*
Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Economics Bachelor of Engineering Bachelor of Business
TOP 5 MOST POPULAR POSTGRADUATE DEGREES*
MBA Honours Masters of Science Harvard Advancement
Management Program
Masters of Applied
Finance
*CEOs who hold more than one undergraduate or postgraduate degree have been counted several
times depending on the number of undergraduate/postgraduate degrees they have.

5. ADDED VALUE OF A BACKGROUND
IN FINANCE FOR LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
*Finance, accounting and/or financial services.
HAVING A BACKGROUND IN FINANCE ENABLES PROFESSIONALS – ACROSS ALL SENIORITY
LEVELS - TO GET A BROAD VIEW OF THE FINANCIAL ENVIRONMENT THAT IN TURN CAN
PROVIDE UNIQUE INSIGHTS TO THE BUSINESS.
of the ASX-listed CEOs have
a background in finance*
50%

6. SUCCESSION PLANNING IS KEY TO FILL THE TOP POSITION
BUT: Going outside the company to hire also offers benefits as the externally-hired CEO
can offer new perspective, alleviate change and bring in new skillsets.
of the ASX 200-listed CEOs
were promoted internally
62%

7. THERE IS VALUE IN HAVING INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
*CEOs who have worked in multiple regions have been counted several times depending on the regions they have worked in.
Being able to put management skills and business acumen into practice in a different
country helps C-suite professionals gain a broad understanding of the cultural and
geographical influences that impact business operations.
of the ASX 200-listed CEOs
have worked internationally
59%

8. LOYALTY HAS ITS REWARDS
Internally-hired ASX 200-listed CEOs reached their current role after an average
of 8 years tenure with their company.
61%
0-5 years
26%
6-10 years
13%
11+ years

9. AMBITION IS KEY
of the ASX 200-listed CEOs have held the CEO role in their
previous job before becoming CEO at their current work*24%
*In case of multiple job titles, the first listed title has been taken into account.
COO CFOCEO Managing Director
General Manager OtherVice President President
24%
4% 3.5% 3% 36%
12.5% 9% 8%
$

10. About the research: Robert Half has conducted research on the CEOs of the ASX 200 by analysing publicly
available sources of information about ASX 200 CEOs to track trends including their professional and educational
background, gender, and length of tenure. The research was analysed from the period 1st April 2017 – 31st May
2017, and all results are correct to the best of our knowledge.
INTERESTED IN DISCOVERING MORE
INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASX 200-LISTED CEOs?
Visit the Robert Half CEO Tracker to
find out more CEO trends and insights.