A Bad Time to Take the Helm? New Retail Leaders Face Extra Headaches

Jordyn Holman, Published Sept. 27, 2025

September, 2025

In the Media

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Christine Greybe, President of Leadership Consulting at DHR Global, highlights the intense pressure facing newly appointed CEOs, especially at consumer companies like Starbucks, Nike, Peloton, and REI. As companies contend with economic volatility, shifting consumer habits, and global tariffs, boards are increasingly selecting first-time leaders to bring fresh perspectives. Greybe notes that these executives have little room for error, with their first year often defining their long-term trajectory.

“You don’t get grace; there’s a very short honeymoon period,”  Greybe said.

New chief executives, especially those coming from outside a company, are perceived as having a wealth of new ideas and the ability to shake up operations. “Historically boards preferred prior corner-office experience, but there’s a lot of recycled leaders as a result,” she said. So you’re seeing an openness to first-time C.E.O.s.”

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