It seems like Tech CEOs are dropping like flies. No, it’s not just because they’re being caught on KissCams with their mistresses (though, yes, that did happen). The reasons for the exodus from the executive suite are far more complex—and, frankly, more telling of the chaotic moment we’re living through in tech and beyond. 

Let’s start with the facts. According to a recent report cited in Fortune, January 2025 broke records for CEO turnover. That’s not just tech—it’s across the board. But in tech specifically, the turnover trend feels like a full-blown extinction event. The landscape is changing at warp speed, and the people who once thrived at the top are suddenly looking like relics of a different era. 

What’s going on? Why are we seeing so many high-profile CEOs getting the boot, or walking away—sometimes voluntarily, sometimes not? 

The High-Wire Act of Modern Leadership 

These days, being a CEO—especially a tech CEO—is a bit like walking a high wire over a pit of hungry piranhas, with no net below. The risks are higher than ever, the scrutiny is unrelenting, and the margin for error has essentially vanished. 

For some, the reason is simply longevity. They’ve been at the helm too long, and in the absence of fresh perspective, they’ve morphed into cults of personality. That kind of power vacuum eventually attracts criticism—and often, revolt. Others fall victim to the age-old trap of power corrupting absolutely. Still others clash with their boards, forgetting that no matter how much charisma or vision they bring, the money still talks—and boards are increasingly speaking with a sharper tongue. 

I give you the case of QTS Realty Trust. Blackstone just ousted CEO Chad Williams as part of its aggressive AI-era expansion plan. That’s not a scandal story—it’s a strategic one. AI is changing the rules of the game, and boards aren’t waiting for CEOs to catch up. If you can’t lead with agility, vision, and results, you’re gone. 

And yes, we’ve got the scandals too. The Astronomer CEO, Andy Byron, resigned after his now infamous viral moment on the Coldplay KissCam went sideways fast. That incident may seem trivial, but it shows just how fast the court of public opinion—and a board fearing reputational risk—can act in today’s environment. 

Don’t Cry for Me, CEO 

Now, let’s be honest: Most of these CEOs aren’t exactly being shown the door with nothing but a cardboard box and a security escort. To paraphrase Eva Perón, don’t cry for me, CEO. Williams, the outgoing QTS boss, could walk away with up to $3 billion after 20 years at the top. These folks are not headed to the unemployment line—they’re headed to the golf course, the next startup board, or let’s be real, a beach in the Maldives. 

But even with the golden parachutes, something deeper is happening here. Ethics—believe it or not—might matter again. Shocking, I know. But in 2025, governance is cool again. The £150 billion Railpen-led campaign to spotlight good corporate governance as a driver of growth in the UK is a sign of the times. Boards, shareholders, even governments are recognizing that strong ethics and reputational responsibility are good for business. Being tomorrow’s Page Six headline? Not so much. 

The TACO Era: Turbulence in Tech 

But let’s not overlook the elephant in the server room: tech itself is undergoing seismic upheaval. We’re in what I’ve started calling the TACO era—Technology-fueled change, AI disruption, Constant political volatility, and Ongoing economic uncertainty. TACO is messy. TACO is spicy. And TACO is reshaping what it means to be a CEO. 

I know what you’re thinking. I was going to talk about another kind of TACO. Yes, that chaos contributes to this too. 

Pressure from AI to slash costs, automate processes, and deliver better results faster is forcing companies to rethink leadership. CEOs who aren’t AI-literate—or at least AI-aware—are being left behind. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions, supply chain chaos, and unpredictable capital markets are shaking even the most stable companies to their foundations. 

The End of the Tech Bro Era? 

And let’s not forget the whole “tech bro” era. The hoodie-wearing, hustle-culture, tweetstorming CEOs of the last decade—who once commanded cult-like followings—are starting to wear thin. Investors, employees, and the public are asking for a different kind of leader. One who leads with values, not just vision. One who understands people, not just platforms. 

But What About the Customer? 

Here’s what I keep wondering: does any of this matter to the customer? 

Do customers really care if the CEO is embroiled in boardroom battles or personal scandal? Are they demanding better governance and principled leadership? Or are they still mostly asking: Are you delivering the right solution at the right price and performance? 

My gut says most customers don’t lose sleep over whether their vendor’s CEO is on good terms with the board or has a solid DEI statement. They care if the tech works. They care if their partner is reliable. They care about value. And that’s not a cynical view—it’s just business.  

But maybe, just maybe, we’re at a turning point. Maybe good governance, ethics, and behavior will start to become market differentiators. Maybe customers will start asking more questions. And maybe—just maybe—we’ll stop normalizing bad CEO behavior under the guise of “genius.” 

I’m not betting the house on it. But I’m hopeful. Because if tech is going to survive the TACO era intact, we’ll need more than innovation. We’ll need leadership we can actually believe in. 

And that, my friends, might be the most radical disruption of all.