Gen X Lose Ground as Boomers Elevate Millennials to CEO Roles

Lead Generation X executives are increasingly overlooked for top leadership positions today as baby boomer founders pass the baton not to their own children but to younger, tech-savvy millennials.

Nut Graf Recent research shows the share of Generation X CEOs in the Russell 3000 has fallen from 51.1% in 2017 to 43.4% in 2025, even as boomer-aged leaders (60+) rose from 35.1% to 41.5% over the same period. Companies cite millennials’ stronger embrace of AI and digital tools as the decisive factor in succession planning.

Industry Impact

• Conference Board data reveal that while Gen X still comprises the largest cohort of current CEOs, their proportional representation is shrinking.
• High-profile firms such as Red Lobster, Lime and Kickstarter have appointed millennials to CEO roles in recent years, bypassing seasoned Gen X candidates.

Generational Divide Companies report millennial executives lead AI integration more readily: 50% of millennials use generative AI at work versus 34% of Gen X and 19% of boomers. This digital fluency aligns with board demands for rapid innovation and data-driven decision-making.

Ageism and Advancement Talent experts warn that pervasive age biases and assumptions about impending retirements are hindering Gen X career progression. Nearly one-quarter of workers over 40 report being passed over for assignments deemed “too strategic,” stalling their rise into C-suite roles.

Looking Ahead As AI’s role in business deepens, analysts predict the millennial CEO share will continue climbing, further compressing Gen X leadership opportunities unless firms adopt more balanced succession frameworks. Companies aiming for diversity in age and experience may need to reexamine promotion pathways to retain and reward veteran talent.