Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone

This article points to a possible new trend for U.K. executives.

They are calling it quits.

A handful of high-profile CEOs in the U.K. recently have resigned, and not under pressure from their boards. 

While the rising financial rewards of running a modern multinational have been well publicised, executive recruiters say the pressures of the job have also been ratcheted up in recent years, and not just because of the tough economic times.

"The reality is it's gruelling. It's really tough, and there comes a point where you don't want to do it any more," said Ian Butcher, who headhunts board-level and senior executives for MWM Consulting.

"The quarterly reporting, the governance, the regulatory aspects, it just becomes very wearing - the level of scrutiny, the pace at which things are moving, the short-term nature of how people look at any given situation. Even over the past five years these things have made CEO a tougher position to hold, and the travel that people have to undertake in these jobs - it's just something they run out of steam on."

"I just want to be master of my time for some time," said Richemont's Rupert.

For years, we've read how recent college graduates seek work-life balance.  Is that trend moving up the ladder?  Or is this story just that...a story, and not a trend.

Thoughts?

Have a great week, guys.