


Core Insights - The banking industry is experiencing significant executive turnover in 2025, with 13 banks changing leadership and 17 executives transitioning roles, particularly in the position of vice president, which accounts for 53% of all changes [4][5][6] Group 1: Executive Changes - In the first half of 2025, 13 banks, including 6 state-owned and 12 joint-stock banks, reported executive changes, with 5 state-owned banks and 8 joint-stock banks announcing leadership adjustments [5][6] - The most frequent changes occurred in the vice president role, with 9 new appointments [5][6] - Three banks saw changes in their chairpersons, and three banks appointed new presidents [5][6] Group 2: Recruitment Strategies - State-owned banks predominantly recruit externally, with 87.5% of new executives coming from outside the organization, while joint-stock banks favor internal promotions, with 78% of new executives promoted from within [4][8][9] - Notably, the Agricultural Bank of China had the highest number of executive changes among state-owned banks, appointing three new vice presidents [6][8] Group 3: Age Demographics - The new executive cohort is primarily composed of individuals born in the 1970s, who represent 78% of the new appointments in state-owned banks [12][14] - The age distribution shows that chairpersons are mostly from the 1960s generation, while vice presidents and presidents are predominantly from the 1970s [12][14] - In joint-stock banks, the age structure includes experienced leaders and younger talent, with a significant presence of 1970s-born executives [12][14] Group 4: Implications for Strategy - The shift in executive leadership is seen as a response to the pressures faced by the banking sector, aiming to better align with economic development needs and enhance service to the real economy [11] - The contrasting recruitment strategies between state-owned and joint-stock banks reflect their differing operational needs and talent management approaches [8][11]