CEO turnover is increasing as boards clear the way for a new era.
According to a report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, CEO changes in January increased 40% from the previous month, marking the third-highest January total since 2002.
While boardrooms often frame the departure of long-serving leaders as a natural pivot, the increasing pressure of the AI era indicates that new bosses will have a daunting task to endure. Apple (AAPL) and Best Buy (ABY) are the latest companies to announce high-profile transitions.
We’ve rounded up some of the biggest names who will pass the torch so far in 2026.
Adobe (ADBE): Shantanu Narayen announced his intention to transition in March, marking the beginning of the end of his 18-year tenure. The search for a new leader comes amid intense pressure from investors to defend the creative giant’s market leadership against a wave of AI startups.
American International Group (AIG): Peter Zaffino will become CEO in mid-2026, leaving Eric Andersen to deal with the consequences of a complex restructuring.
Apple: Tim Cook’s time as Apple’s leader will end on September 1 when he becomes executive chairman. John Ternus, senior vice president of hardware engineering, now inherits the task of proving that Apple can wean itself from the iPhone and compete in the AI arms race.
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B): Warren Buffett has handed the reins to Greg Abel. The 95-year-old “Oracle of Omaha” remains chairman of the board of directors.
Best buy (BBY): After going through a brutal post-pandemic electronics downturn, Corie Barry hands the reins to Jason Bonfig. Whether a 20-year veteran can turn the big-box retailer into a service company remains a multibillion-dollar question for shareholders. Bonfig’s to-do list includes considering how to integrate AI as an engine of growth.
blood pressure (PA): Murray Auchincloss’ two-year tenure ended abruptly, making way for Meg O’Neill, the oil giant’s first female leader. The move, which took effect this month, further underscores an identity crisis at the heart of Big Oil.
coke (KO): Henrique Braun officially took over at the end of March when James Quincey became CEO. Braun, a 30-year veteran, now faces the daunting challenge of guiding the beverage giant through a digital and AI-focused pivot.
Disney (DIS): Bob Iger once again attempted to take a step back, elevating Josh D’Amaro to the CEO role in March. After years of succession drama, questions remain about whether Iger can truly stay off the stage.
HP Inc. (HPQ): Enrique Lores stepped down from leading PayPal (PYPL) in February, leaving Bruce Broussard as interim CEO. The exit raises concerns about whether HP has a viable long-term strategy beyond current cost cutting.