“We’re mired in this place where a lot of private-equity firms can’t exit investments they’ve made. I can’t tell you how many senior execs have called me and said, ‘I’m in year eight or nine of what was supposed to be a five- or six-year deal, and I’m getting burned out.”
Rod McDermott, CEO + Co-Founder, McDermott + Bull – As featured in The Wall Street Journal
A recent Wall Street Journal article, “Why More CEOs Are Heading for the Exit”, highlights a striking trend: a record number of CEOs — 2,221 in 2024 alone — are stepping away from the top job. The article explores the many reasons behind this shift, including prolonged post-pandemic burnout, shifting personal values, organizational restructuring, and increasing pressure to lead through uncertainty. As expectations for executive performance rise and the scope of the role continues to evolve, companies are finding themselves at a crossroads — reevaluating how they attract, retain, and support effective leadership at the highest levels.
Among the industry leaders quoted in the piece is McDermott + Bull CEO + Co-Founder, Rod McDermott, who offered perspective on a particularly acute pain point in the private equity landscape. “We’re mired in this place where a lot of private-equity firms can’t exit investments they’ve made,” he shared. “I can’t tell you how many senior execs have called me and said, ‘I’m in year eight or nine of what was supposed to be a five- or six-year deal, and I’m getting burned out.’” Rod’s insight underscores a broader challenge we regularly hear from our clients: the growing strain on executives expected to stay the course well beyond their initial commitment, often without a clear exit in sight.
At McDermott + Bull, we’re seeing firsthand how this shifting leadership landscape is reshaping the way organizations approach executive talent. As a retained executive search firm deeply embedded in both private equity and corporate ecosystems, we partner with organizations to build resilient leadership pipelines, deliver transformative talent, and ensure continuity — whether through permanent placements or high-impact interim solutions. As CEOs continue to reassess what’s next, we stand ready to help our clients do the same.
You can read the full article featuring Rod McDermott, here.