20% of FTSE 100 CEOs are chartered accountants

Master of Business Administration (MBA) and accountancy are the top qualifications among the UK’s CEOs, according to management consulting company Robert Half’s annual FTSE 100 CEO Tracker.

MBA graduates are leading more of Britain’s top businesses than any other qualification, accounting for 25% of FTSE 100 CEOs, the highest proportion since 2016.  This was followed by chartered accountants, who made up 20% of FTSE 100 CEOs, up from 19% in both 2017 and 2018.

The findings demonstrate that despite businesses undergoing periods of intense technological change including digitisation and automation, traditional business and finance-focused qualifications are still “valued”, carrying “substantial” weight at the UK’s leading businesses.

Charlie Grubb, UK managing director, Robert Half Executive Search, said: “While traditional qualifications still carry significant weight when it comes to executive positions, it is undeniable that the future of work is changing, and with it, the make up of the traditional CEO.

“Traditional qualifications, experience in relevant sectors and expertise will continue to remain important factors going forward, however adaptability to change and willingness to evolve alongside the marketplace will distinguish between those businesses that succeed and those that do not.”