CFO Pathways Report 2025
Discover the key trends shaping CFO appointments globally
Our 2025 CFO Pathways Report offers unparalleled insight into the leadership trends driving senior finance appointments across the globe.
Based on an in-depth analysis of 6,400 CFO appointments across the top ten markets by hiring volume, this year’s report explores how leadership priorities, sector preferences, and succession strategies have evolved over the past 24 months.
Download the full report to explore:
- The return of sector loyalty: Why companies are increasingly seeking CFOs with deep industry expertise.
- A surge in internal promotions: How organisations are investing in leadership development and succession planning.
- Global diversity shifts: Where real progress is being made in gender representation and where challenges remain.
- Appointment age trends: From early-career peaks to senior hires, see how the average CFO profile is changing.
- The impact of Private Equity: The influence of PE-backed companies on the finance leadership landscape.
- Regional hiring hotspots: Which country continues to dominate the market and how other countries are catching up.
This report offers valuable insights for finance leaders, boards, and for those responsible for hiring or developing CFO talent, looking to stay ahead of the latest CFO hiring trends.
Access your copy of our Pathways report here
Introducing the Finance Practice
We support a wide range of organisations to appoint CFOs and their direct reports, whether permanent or interim, in the UK and around the world. As a result of our deep functional expertise and exceptional networks, we have a strong track record of delivering outstanding senior talent. We have grown to become one of Europe’s leading finance executive solutions businesses, something of which we are incredibly proud.
We know strong financial leadership is crucial to the success of any organisation, and in today’s boardroom, the role of the Chief Financial Officer goes far beyond financial oversight and strategy. Increasingly the CFO is the natural deputy and key strategic business partner to the CEO; their ability to influence and collaborate across the business is vital.
Find out more about the team here
Eton Bridge is by far one of the most attentive and personable Executive Search providers I have ever had the privilege to work with. Their focus is not only on a great candidate experience but also ensuring the right fit for both their candidates and clients alike.
Alistair Roman Interim Finance Director, leading UK retailerThe Eton Bridge team were extremely proactive and sensitive to the needs we had for the CFO role, helping us to find more diverse candidates who better reflected the gender and nationality diversity of the senior finance team. We have been very happy with the entire recruitment process.
Andy Savage Head of HR EMEA, global manufacturing companyEton Bridge Partners provides a service that goes well beyond the normal executive recruitment business. I value their integrity and professionalism.
James Bowling CFO, FTSE 100 utilities company