THE NUMBER OF OPERATIONS DIRECTORS AND COOs HAS REMAINED UNCHANGED FOR YEARS. An average of 41 per year.

Unlike other roles, the COO is primarily refreshed from the external market. In 2023, external recruitment even increased by 16%.

Operational roles offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of background and experience of the individuals who take on these roles. 61% of newly appointed COOs have come from a different area of expertise, with the majority being from the fields of Sales, IT, Finance and General Management. Along with Sales, Operational roles are the most common last step for promotion to CEO roles.

On average, these directors tend to stay in their roles longer compared to others.