December 2019
Executive Comittee 2019 Seniority Index
Today, improved transparency on management data from listed companies has made it possible to monitor Executive Committee member profiles precisely. To enrich our EXCOM indicators further (see our 2018 feminization results), we have launched a new indicator this year on EXCOM seniority in SBF120 (120 largest listed French companies).
Based on this new SBF120 Indicator, the average age of EXCOM members is 53 with a very considerable standard deviation (47 to 62 years old for the CAC40, 41 to 67 for the SBF80).
These significant deviations between companies are more due to cultural variations than sectoral ones.
In addition, a fairly significant deviation (from 48 to 58 years old) exists between different EXCOM member functions (see chart):
Although blockages are still present, directors are more aware of the importance of renewing EXCOMs as can be seen in their evolution over the past few years.
Based on this new SBF120 Indicator, the average age of EXCOM members is 53 with a very considerable standard deviation (47 to 62 years old for the CAC40, 41 to 67 for the SBF80).
These significant deviations between companies are more due to cultural variations than sectoral ones.
- - In effect, whereas EXCOM members from consumer goods & distribution sector companies are slightly younger, on average 53 years old (CAC40) and 51 (SBF80), the average age variability between other sectors is low.
- Companies in which seniority of EXCOM members is highest are more often those with a strong family culture, opting for long term loyalty, with a certain number of family member directors remaining a very long time at the head of their company, e.g.: Bouygues & LVMH Trigano, Sopra Steria, Rubis, Lagardère and Dassault Aviation.
- On the other hand, companies with young CEOs ‒ Danone, Carrefour, Mercialys, Maisons du Monde ‒ stand out as pioneers paving the way, establishing new rules for the renewal of EXCOM’s, notably in terms of equality, diversity or inclusion of new functions.
In addition, a fairly significant deviation (from 48 to 58 years old) exists between different EXCOM member functions (see chart):
- - Younger than average: marketing, IT, sales & marketing, strategy and communication
- Average: R&D, administration & finance and industrial operations
- More senior than average: General Management, BU management, General Secretary, Human Resources and Risk & Compliance.
Although blockages are still present, directors are more aware of the importance of renewing EXCOMs as can be seen in their evolution over the past few years.
