Changes in the C-Suite: The 2026 CCO Turnover Study

Patino Associates just released our third annual U.S. Chief Communications Officer Turnover Study (in partnership with CASA), and the data tells a story that few are talking about:

CCOs look more stable; but they are under more scrutiny and being tested harder than ever.

Key Findings:

Turnover held steady at 10.2%. Average tenure climbed to 4.9 years—now exceeding CFOs. Companies chose internal candidates 60% of the time, a dramatic flip from last year’s external hiring boom.

On paper, CCOs found their footing.

But here’s the reality behind those numbers:

While CCO turnover stabilized, CEO turnover jumped and CFO turnover hit an 18% rate—a seven-year high. CCOs spent 2025 navigating constant C-suite transitions while managing political chaos, stakeholder activism, and organizations still figuring out what “normal” means.

The CCOs who thrived? They weren’t just good communicators. They spoke the language of business, evolved their function to meet changing needs, and became the glue holding their C-suite together when everything felt urgent.

Nearly 40% of CCO changes involved newly created or re-scoped positions—more than double last year. CEOs are customizing the role based on what the business needs and who’s in the chair. Some CCOs are adding Public Affairs and Brand to their remit. Others are getting a tighter mandate.

The role isn’t standardizing. It’s becoming more customized.