A growing trend of CEOs taking on short-term, interim roles is emerging, with 33% of new CEOs in early 2025 serving temporarily, reflecting a shift towards a gig economy style approach in executive leadership as companies adapt to ongoing workplace changes.
Pete DeJoy, the interim CEO of Astronomer, reacted subtly to a former staffer's meme-sharing about CEO Andy Byron's scandal, indicating shared sentiments. The company is investigating Byron and another executive after they were caught on camera at a concert, which went viral, leading to their suspension. DeJoy's supportive post suggests alignment with the company's values amid the controversy.
Renault's shares dropped over 15% after the company lowered its 2025 financial guidance and appointed Duncan Minto as interim CEO following Luca de Meo's resignation, amid concerns over profit margins, cash flow, and challenging market conditions.
After the disastrous launch of Payday 3 in 2023, which led to poor reviews and low sales, Starbreeze has removed CEO Tobias Sjögren and is seeking "different leadership." The interim CEO, Juergen Goeldner, will lead the company while a permanent replacement is found. The board cited the need for a new direction in executing the company's strategy, which focuses on creating attractive games on their own and licensed IPs.
Patrick Stewart, Manchester United's incoming chief executive, has been with the club since 2006 and has played a crucial role in overseeing legal and regulatory affairs. As he takes on the role of interim CEO following Richard Arnold's departure, uncertainty looms over the potential impact of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's proposed minority investment. Stewart is expected to manage the club during this transition phase and has been working closely on the investment. Jean-Claude Blanc, former Juventus CEO, is likely to eventually succeed Arnold as United's permanent CEO. Stewart is described as a level-headed influence and is involved in various Premier League and Football Association committees, including those related to women's football and legal matters.
Lonza CEO Pierre-Alain Ruffieux will be leaving the Swiss contract manufacturer at the end of September, with chairman Albert Baehny taking over as interim CEO. The departure is based on a mutual agreement, and the company's strategy and outlook will be discussed at its Capital Markets Day in October.
BP CEO Bernard Looney has resigned after admitting to undisclosed relationships with colleagues, following an investigation prompted by anonymous allegations. The company's CFO, Murray Auchincloss, will serve as interim CEO. Looney, who had been with BP since 1991 and became CEO in 2020, had been leading the company's efforts to transition into an integrated energy company with a focus on reducing emissions. BP's shares closed 1.3% lower on the news.
BP CEO Bernard Looney has resigned after failing to fully disclose details of past personal relationships with colleagues. The company launched an investigation after allegations surfaced, and Looney admitted to not fully disclosing all relationships. BP's Chief Financial Officer, Murray Auchincloss, will serve as interim CEO. Looney took office in 2020 with plans to reinvent the company and achieve zero net emissions by 2050. BP has struggled to convince investors of its non-hydrocarbon businesses' competitive returns. It remains unclear if Looney's departure will lead to a change in strategy.
Rosalind Brewer, the CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, has stepped down from her position, making her departure effective immediately. Brewer, the first African American and first woman to lead the company, will continue to advise Walgreens during the search for her replacement. Ginger Graham, the current lead independent director, will serve as interim CEO. Brewer's departure comes after her successful navigation of the company through the COVID-19 pandemic and its vaccine rollout. Walgreens has been focusing on transforming into a healthcare destination to compete with rivals like CVS Health.
Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Rosalind Brewer has stepped down from her position after less than three years, with the company citing a mutual agreement. The board has appointed Ginger Graham as interim CEO while they search for a permanent replacement. Walgreens has been facing challenges, including a decline in consumer spending and demand for Covid vaccines, leading to a 32% drop in shares this year. Under Brewer's leadership, the company implemented cost-saving measures such as store closures and job cuts. Walgreens is also experimenting with new store formats to address issues like shoplifting.
David Marlow, currently Gavi's Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, effective from August 3, 2023, following the decision of Dr. Muhammad Pate to not join Gavi as its next CEO due to his commitment to contribute to his home country, Nigeria. The Gavi Board has full confidence in the strength of the Gavi leadership team and the Alliance to support this transition while conducting a search for the next CEO.
Giant Eagle's interim CEO, Laura Shapira Karet, is focused on winning back former customers and improving customer loyalty. Karet plans to invest in technology and innovation to enhance the shopping experience and differentiate Giant Eagle from other retail and grocery stores. She also aims to prioritize employee satisfaction and engagement to create a positive work environment.
San Francisco-based retailer Gap is laying off approximately 800 employees in California, including those at its main headquarters and Athleta corporate headquarters, as well as a Fresno distribution center. The layoffs are part of the company's efforts to reshape and optimize its operating model, according to interim CEO Bob Martin. The 800 statewide layoffs make up a significant chunk of Gap's recent companywide cuts, which will affect approximately 1,800 employees in total and are estimated to save the company about $300 million annually.
Giant Eagle, a supermarket chain, has announced the replacement of its CEO of 11 years with an interim head, effective immediately. Bill Artman, who most recently served as the company's president of supermarkets, has been selected to replace Laura Karet. The company thanked Karet for her time as CEO of Giant Eagle. It is unclear at this time what caused the change in leadership.
Giant Eagle, a supermarket chain, has appointed Bill Artman as the new interim CEO after the board decided to separate with former CEO Laura Karet. Artman has been with the company for almost 40 years and most recently served as president of supermarkets. The company has also appointed Bart Friedman as chair of the board.