What does it take to climb to the top of the CEO world?

What does it take to climb to the top of the CEO world?

Zoe Brown

Zoe Brown
15th February 2019

If your ambition is to become a successful CEO for a leading global company, your choice of university, degree, and even your star sign could be helping make that dream a reality. We’ve analysed what the CEOs of the top 100 companies in the US and UK have in common, sharing what could help you climb the ladder all the way to the top.

Delve into all the research, searching insight via profiles, education, and salary. We’ve also pulled together some of the key facts and figures here:

What you need to know:

  • The majority (62%) of top-flight CEOs are aged between 50-59.
  • Just 7% of top-flight CEOs in the UK and US are female.
  • The majority (69%) of top-flight executives have never achieved a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).
  • However, CEOs with an MBA earn the highest base salary compared to those with any other type of degree.
  • Harvard University produced the most top-flight CEOs at undergrad level, with the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge producing the most CEOs in the UK.
  • 29% of CEOs have a degree in either Economics and Business Administration, with other top degrees including Accounting, Business, and Engineering.
  • On average, degrees in Politics, Geology, and Chemical Engineering enjoy the highest base salaries.
  • Despite being fewer in number, 14 top-flight female CEOs command a higher base salary than the top male CEOs.
  • Capricorns are most likely to become successful in the CEO world, followed by Libras, Geminis, and Virgos.

Don’t forget to take a look at the full research. You can find more helpful career advice in our employment category.