Archive · 12 Aug 2025
South Korean CEO Average Age Falls Below 60 for the First Time
In South Korea, the people in charge of big companies, called CEOs, are getting younger.
The average age of these CEOs is now below 60 for the first time ever.
Some companies have picked younger people to be in charge.
For example, the boss of Hansol Paper is now 46 years old.
Also, there are fewer young people working in these big companies compared to older workers, possibly because of a slower economy.
This is the first time since 2015 that there are more workers over 50 than those in their 20s.
Average age of South Korean CEOs fell below 60 for the first time.
The average age of CEOs at the 500 largest companies is 59.8 years old.
Several companies have appointed younger CEOs, including Hansol Paper and Meritz Fire & Marine Insurance.
The youngest outsider CEO is 43, while the oldest CEOs are both 86 years old.
Companies in South Korea have fewer employees in their 20s compared to those aged 50 or older.
- Who
- CEOs of South Korea's major companies
- What
- The average age of CEOs at major South Korean companies has dropped below 60.
- When
- The data is from this year, according to the corporate tracker Leaders Index.
- Where
- South Korea
- Why
- Reflects a generational shift, with companies appointing younger leadership.
Workers in their 20s
Workers 50 or older
Age Demographics
Workers in their 20s
19.8% of employees in the top companies
Workers 50 or older
More workers aged 50 or older
- Average CEO Age
- 59.8 years
- Oldest CEOs
- 86 years old
- Youngest Outsider CEO
- 43 years old
- Female CEOs
- 12 of the CEOs are women
- Workers in their 20s
- 19.8% of employees in top companies
- Workers 50 or older
- 20.1% of employees in top companies