CEO exits are rising fast in the US, showing a big leadership shake-up across companies. Around 209 CEOs left their roles in January, which is a 40% jump from 149 in December, as reported by Challenger, Gray & Christmas. However, this number is still 6% lower than last year’s January total of 222 exits. This January saw the third-highest CEO exits ever recorded since tracking started in 2002.
On average, January usually sees about 116 CEO exits, so this year is much higher than normal. Experts say companies are making changes early in the year so new CEOs get a full year to prove themselves. CEO exits in publicly traded companies jumped 47% compared to last year, as reports Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
In January alone, 53 CEOs left public companies, up from 36 last year. Reports say boards are clearing the way for a “new era,” especially with the rise of AI changing business needs. Big companies like Apple and Best Buy have already announced major leadership changes.
Many companies say these exits are “normal transitions,” but actually there is strong pressure to adapt to AI and new tech. New CEOs are expected to handle big challenges as AI is changing industries quickly.
After th big announcement of Apple, Tim Cook will step down as CEO on September 1. He will become executive chairman, while John Ternus takes over. Ternus must prove Apple can grow beyond the iPhone and compete in AI. Here are 12 big companies making leadership changes in 2026.
Many CEOs are leaving because companies want new leaders to handle AI changes and future growth.
Q2. Which big companies saw CEO changes recently?
Companies like Apple, Disney, Walmart, and Adobe saw major CEO changes.
On average, January usually sees about 116 CEO exits, so this year is much higher than normal. Experts say companies are making changes early in the year so new CEOs get a full year to prove themselves. CEO exits in publicly traded companies jumped 47% compared to last year, as reports Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
In January alone, 53 CEOs left public companies, up from 36 last year. Reports say boards are clearing the way for a “new era,” especially with the rise of AI changing business needs. Big companies like Apple and Best Buy have already announced major leadership changes.
Many companies say these exits are “normal transitions,” but actually there is strong pressure to adapt to AI and new tech. New CEOs are expected to handle big challenges as AI is changing industries quickly.
After th big announcement of Apple, Tim Cook will step down as CEO on September 1. He will become executive chairman, while John Ternus takes over. Ternus must prove Apple can grow beyond the iPhone and compete in AI. Here are 12 big companies making leadership changes in 2026.
Big ceo exits in 2026
1. Adobe
At Adobe, Shantanu Narayen said in March he will step down after 18 years. Adobe is now looking for a new CEO while facing pressure from AI startups.2. American International Group
At American International Group, Peter Zaffino will move to executive chairman by mid-2026. Eric Andersen will handle the company’s complex restructuring after that.3. Berkshire Hathaway
At Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett handed over CEO duties to Greg Abel in January 2026. Buffett, now 95, will stay on as chairman.4. Best Buy
At Best Buy, Corie Barry is stepping down. Jason Bonfig will take over after 20 years at the company on October 31, 2026. He may introduce AI training and review the Canada business.5. BP
At BP, Murray Auchincloss exited after just two years. Meg O’Neill became the first woman CEO of BP effective April 1, 2026. This shows confusion about the future direction of big oil companies.6. Coca-Cola
At Coca-Cola, Henrique Braun became CEO in March. James Quincey moved to executive chairman. Braun must lead the company into a digital and AI-focused future.7. Disney
At Disney, Bob Iger stepped back again. Josh D’Amaro became CEO in March. There are still doubts if Iger will fully step away, as noted by Yahoo Finance.8. HP
At HP Inc., Enrique Lores left in February. He moved to lead PayPal. Bruce Broussard is now interim CEO. This raises concerns about HP’s long-term strategy.9. Lululemon
At Lululemon, Calvin McDonald stepped down on January 31, 2026. The company currently has interim leaders instead of a permanent CEO. This creates worries about slowing demand for premium products.10. Target
At Target, Brian Cornell stepped down after 10 years in February 2026. Michael Fiddelke is now CEO. The company faces pressure from competition and careful spending by customers.11. Walmart
At Walmart, Doug McMillon stepped aside in February 2026. John Furner has taken over and he must compete strongly with Amazon.12. Workday
At Workday, Carl Eschenbach exited suddenly in February 2026. Co-founder Aneel Bhusri returned as CEO. This shows the company may be struggling in a competitive market.Big picture
Overall, these leadership exits show companies are under pressure to change fast due to AI and competition. Many new CEOs are stepping into tough roles with high expectations and uncertainty, as noted by Yahoo Finance. 2026 is clearly becoming a major year of leadership change across global companies.FAQs
Q1. Why are so many CEOs leaving in 2026?Many CEOs are leaving because companies want new leaders to handle AI changes and future growth.
Q2. Which big companies saw CEO changes recently?
Companies like Apple, Disney, Walmart, and Adobe saw major CEO changes.
