New research from leading executive search consultancy Eton Bridge Partners reveals how the Chief People Officer (CPO) role is evolving rapidly, shaped by Private Equity (PE) investment, increasing demand for experience, and continued female leadership at the top of the profession. The report analyses nearly 15,000 global CPO appointments between 2023 and 2025 and gives unique insight into how the role is changing, global trends and the priorities driving appointments.
Women Dominate C-Suite Appointments: Around 70% of human resources professionals are women and - unlike other so-called “pink-collar jobs” where leadership roles tend to be filled by men - this dominance is reflected in the appointments to the most senior positions. Almost three quarters (72%) of global CPO appointments in the last year have been women, with the average age rising to 52.
The UK and Australia stand out as markets where female representation is particularly strong, with women accounting for around 80% and 87% of appointments respectively. North America also remains above the global average.
The picture elsewhere in the world is mixed. In parts of Asia, including Japan and India, appointments remain more heavily skewed towards men, although India is showing signs of gradual progress. In Europe, the balance is broadly consistent with global trends, though individual markets vary.
|
F |
M |
|
|
2025 |
72% |
28% |
|
Africa |
59% |
41% |
|
Asia |
43% |
57% |
|
Europe |
74% |
26% |
|
North America |
76% |
24% |
|
Oceania |
87% |
13% |
|
South America |
45% |
55% |
|
UK |
80% |
20% |
The highest proportion of PE hires are to be found in the UK, US, France and Germany, where PE-backed organisations are driving strong demand for senior people leaders.
In another study released last year by Eton Bridge Partners, The CEO and Board Insight Report, 49% of PE backed CEOs and chairs identified internal operating efficiency as their most important value driver for the year ahead, supporting the view of the role of CPO being increasingly seen as critical to business performance, culture and value creation.
The study also revealed that nearly a third (29%) of PE-backed CPO roles are going to first-time CPOs, showing there is progression into the role.
CPOs Getting Older: Overall the average age of CPOs has risen to 53, signalling a growing preference for experience, judgement and leadership maturity.
Olivia Sharp, Partner at Eton Bridge Partners, comments: “What we’re seeing is a clear shift in how organisations are thinking about people leadership. The CPO role has become far more central to business performance - particularly in environments undergoing change or growth. As a result, boards are placing greater emphasis on experience, adaptability and the ability to lead transformation, rather than following a single, traditional pathway.”
Overall, the findings point to a role that is becoming increasingly strategic and influential. As organisations navigate economic uncertainty, technological change and evolving workforce expectations, the Chief People Officer is emerging as a key driver of long-term performance and value.
For the full report please click here
