While the proportion of FTSE 100 CEOs with a background in technology has increased by 27%, age, education and gender diversity remain stagnant

Digital transformation initiatives have heightened the demand for CEOs with technological experience among the UK’s biggest businesses, while broader boardroom diversity is failing to progress, according to new data from specialist recruitment firm, Robert Half UK.

According to the results of the annual Robert Half FTSE 100 CEO Tracker, the proportion of FTSE 100 CEOs with a background in technology has increased by 27% in the last year. At present, 14% of all FTSE CEOs now have a background in the sector. However, the research reveals a lack of progress on diversity, with the average age for a FTSE CEO remaining at 55 year-on-year; while 18% are Oxbridge educated, unchanged from 2018.

There has also been an increase in demand for CEOs with financial expertise among FTSE leaders. The number of CEOs with a financial background increased from 40% in 2018 to 52% in 2019.

While finance remains the most common route to the top, this reverses a declining trend, from 55% in 2016 to 43% in 2017.

Lack of diversity

Despite the shift in skillset demands, diversity among CEOs remains mostly unchanged. The average age for a FTSE CEO is 55 —  this has been the case for the previous two years — while 18% are Oxbridge educated, unchanged from 2018 and increasing from 16% in 2017.

The report also found that despite numerous initiatives to improve gender representation in the boardroom, the number of female CEOs has decreased from 7% in 2018 to 6%.

Individual commitments to workplace diversity and equal opportunities become even more significant when considering that nearly half of current CEOs (46%) were appointed as a result of internal promotion, compared to 30% in 2016. Of the latest CEOs to join the FTSE 100 in the last year, 70% were internal promotions.

Charlie Grubb, UK Managing Director, Robert Half Executive Search commented: “Today’s CEOs require a changing blend of skills and experience to successfully lead their businesses into the future, with backgrounds in technology and finance equipping an increasing number with the ability to do so. This is a trend that is increasingly becoming a focus for executive and senior leadership hires within a business as well – especially when coupled with invaluable softer skills such as communication, adaptability and resilience.

“The research also highlights the importance of encouraging diversity at all levels of an organisation. A broad range of views, experience and backgrounds will not only benefit the business today but also bolster its overall talent pipeline and pool for future leaders. While this process will take time to filter up to the top of FTSE firms, businesses need to make this a priority to deliver on their long-term diversity goals.”

Robert Half conducted annual research on CEOs of the FTSE100 Index by analysing publicly available sources of information including company websites, financial and company announcements, bios and press releases about FTSE100 CEOs to track trends including their professional career backgrounds, age, gender, nationality and length of tenure. The research was analysed from the period 1 April 2018 – 31 March 2019, and all results are correct to the best of our knowledge.