Rebuilding the leadership pipeline

Multiple-choice questions. In order to be awarded CPD units you must answer the following five random questions correctly. If you fail the test, please reread the article before attempting the questions again.

What is the main driver behind the rise in CFO turnover in Asia Pacific?

There is a lack of qualified finance professionals

Companies are experiencing increased financial instability

The CFO role is increasingly complex

CFO roles outside the region are becoming more attractive

How many CFO appointments were there in Asia Pacific in 2025?

316

In 2025, by what percentage did the number of APAC CFO appointments increase year on year?

15 percent

58 percent

25 percent

31 percent

Globally, what is the single largest reason why CFOs leave organisations?

They are dismissed

They decide to retire

They are looking for a new career

They resign

In 2025, what percentage of CFO departures in Asia Pacific were due to retirement?

42 percent

62 percent

57 percent

73 percent

What proportion of CFO appointments in Asia Pacific in 2025 went to first-time CFOs?

73 percent

47 percent

58 percent

42 percent

When hiring CFOs, Asia-Pacific organisations tend to

Recruit externally

Recruit only experienced CFOs

Promote internally

Have a roughly equal mix of internal and external recruitment

In many Asia-Pacific markets, what roles do retiring CFOs often move into?

None of the other answers

Board, advisory or portfolio positions

Government positions

Academic careers

What strategy is recommended for effective CFO succession planning?

Planning only when a CFO resigns

Prioritising internal development of potential future CFOs

Outsourcing leadership development

Maintaining a list of candidates who are either ‘ready now’ or ‘ready soon’

What key capability are companies increasingly seeking in CFOs?

Ability to focus on compliance

All of the other answers

Ability to partner strategically with CEOs

Ability to reduce workforce costs

1 Unit