HK reports zero chief HR officer turnover in Q1: report

Chief HR officer turnover in Asia remained flat year-on-year.

Hong Kong reported zero chief human resources officer (CHRO) departures in the first quarter of the year, unchanged compared to the same period in 2024, according to Russell Reynolds Associates’ Global CHRO Turnover Index. 

Singapore and India likewise reported zero departures, whilst Japan and Australia saw one and six CHRO departures, respectively. 

Turnover rates in Asia flattened year-on-year. Globally, it rose by 15% to 54 departures during the quarter. This is up from 47 in Q1 2024, and higher than the six-year average of 41.

In contrast with a rising global trend of 58% internal promotions of new CHROs, external hires accounted for 75% in Asia.

The average tenure for outgoing CHROs globally declined YoY to 4.1 years from 4.5 years, well below the six-year average of 6.1 years. About 19% of CHROs worldwide exited their roles within two years.

The share of women CHRO appointments in Q1 also rose to 85% YoY from 74% globally and in Asia. While the Tech industry reported approximately 6.2% CHRO departures in Q1 2025, one of its highest turnover quarters since 2018.