Korn Ferry’s latest UK Retail CEO Tracker reveals that CEO turnover in the UK retail sector nearly doubled in 2025, with 40 permanent CEO changes compared to 22 the previous year. The report attributes this sharp increase to mounting board and investor pressure for improved performance amid rising labor costs, cybersecurity threats, subdued consumer confidence, and ongoing margin pressures. Notable trends include a record 38% of new CEO appointments going to women, though ethnic diversity among new leaders remains limited. Most appointments favored first-time CEOs and external hires, but boards remained cautious, selecting leaders from within their retail sub-sectors. The fashion and luxury segment experienced the highest CEO turnover, while executive chair appointments declined significantly, signaling a move toward more decisive and transformative leadership.

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