Specialist recruiter Robert Half analysed publicly available information on ASX 200-listed CEOs between April and May this year.
“It is not surprising to see that half of Australia’s ASX 200 CEOs have financial backgrounds. Companies are constantly under pressure to improve profit margins and deliver increased shareholder value,” said David Jones, senior managing director for Asia-Pacific at Robert Half.
“Business leaders with strong financial capabilities are highly valued as they can easily interpret the financial ramifications of business decisions, adding a practical, financial perspective to a strategic one.”
The majority of CEOs are male at 94 per cent, which is consistent with low female representation on ASX 200-listed boards.
About 47 per cent of CEOs are based in Sydney, and 59 per cent have international work experience. About one-quarter of CEOs are based in the Melbourne metro area, followed by Brisbane and Perth at 9 per cent each and Adelaide at 3 per cent. The remainder are split between the UK and New Zealand.
A further 54 per cent have a postgraduate degree, 82 per cent have an undergraduate degree and 22 per cent have completed an MBA.
Also, 61 per cent have been in their role for five or less years.
