company
Executive search firm whose data on first-half 2026 S&P 500 CEO appointments supplies the story's central statistic.
No evidence-backed relationships are recorded.
Goldman's board has discussed naming John Waldron, holder of an $80 million retention bonus, CEO as soon as next year, the Wall Street Journal reported. The cost still open is keeping four senior executives who would be passed over.
Reality
Russell Reynolds mapped 196 European exits and found that a single chief executive change tracks almost no difference in average hold period, while the delayed and repeated ones are where the risk sits.
Reality
The Conference Board puts 35% of this year's Russell 3000 forced departures in health care. The same report has forced exits taking a smaller share of 2026 successions than in either prior year, and no single industry profile.
Reality
Nine in ten exclusion requests now draw a no-objection letter that reflects no review of the merits, and requests fell by half. The judgement moved to the general counsel's office.
Reality
Russell Reynolds counted 34% of first-half 2026 S&P 500 CEO appointments going to someone who had already led a public company, up from 22%. Each one closes a promotion chain.
Reality