Interesting facts about the age of CEOs of Vietnam's largest enterprises

The largest businesses in Vietnam are currently led by CEOs born in the years of the Rat, Tiger, Dragon, and Snake… The majority are experienced and capable entrepreneurs; however, a trend towards younger leadership has also emerged.

Generational diversity of leadership

Statistical data on the ages of CEOs in the Top 500 largest companies in Vietnam (VNR500) ranking by Vietnam Report shows that the largest proportion of CEOs are born in the years of the Horse, Tiger, Rat, and Dog, at 15.6%, 15.3%, 14.8%, and 14.5%, respectively. Considering the Chinese zodiac, the largest number of CEOs were born in the year of the Water Rat (1972), accounting for 5.8%; followed by the years of the Wood Tiger (1974), Fire Dragon (1976), and Fire Snake (1977), each accounting for 5.3%.

It's evident that many CEOs of large businesses in this year's VNR500 ranking come from the 70s generation. This generation received their education in an open environment, during a time of peace in the country, and began to learn more from Western countries. In the era of reform, they had access to modern information technology and favorable conditions thanks to international trade policies. At the same time, they also have the advantage of more extensive experience in business and management compared to later generations.

According to Vietnam Report data, the number of CEOs under 40 in Vietnam accounts for approximately 10.8%, significantly lower than the number of CEOs aged 41-50 (41.1%) and those aged 51 and above (48.1%). However, this percentage has increased compared to previous years.

In fact, the age of 45 and above is often considered the age of success for Vietnamese entrepreneurs, with a full accumulation of knowledge, confidence, leadership experience, and the necessary business network. Meanwhile, the increase in the number of CEOs under 40 shows that businesses are gradually transforming and embracing young, creative leaders who can adapt quickly to the modern business environment. This reflects the trend of diversification and rejuvenation of leadership in the Vietnamese business community today.

Of the 12.9% of entrepreneurs born in the year of the Snake included in this year's VNR500 ranking, 2.3% are CEOs born in the year of the Wood Snake (1945).

Some notable VNR500 business leaders born in 1965 include: CEO Han Ngoc Vu (Vietnam International Commercial Bank), CEO Le Quoc Long (Southeast Asia Commercial Bank), CEO Pham Van Tai (Truong Hai Group Joint Stock Company), CEO Tran Tuc Ma (Traphaco Joint Stock Company), CEO Pham Thi Thanh Huong (Binh Dinh Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Joint Stock Company), CEO Pham Thi Xuan Huong (OPC Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company)...

Many expectations for the Year of the Snake.

According to feng shui principles, the Year of the Snake (2015) is an ideal year to expand business operations and embrace positive changes. Wise strategic thinking and flexible action will help businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive business environment.

Despite experiencing many ups and downs in 2024, from slow economic growth and prolonged geopolitical instability to inflation following the pandemic, Vietnam's economy has maintained stability and achieved impressive growth recovery. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment , the economic growth rate for the whole year of 2024 is estimated to reach 6.8-7%.

Vietnam Report's survey of the VNR500 community also noted a significant improvement in the percentage of businesses experiencing growth in revenue, profit, and order volume. In particular, the percentage of businesses with substantial increases in revenue and profit reached 7.7% and 10.5% respectively, much higher than the less than 5% of the previous year. The majority of businesses expressed high expectations for the promising economic outlook in 2025, a significant milestone marking the nation's entry into a new era – an era of national progress.

The announcement ceremony for the Top 500 Largest Enterprises in Vietnam in 2024, organized by Vietnam Report and VietNamNet newspaper, with the participation of many leaders of major businesses, will take place on January 8, 2025 in Hanoi. The program will also honor the Top 10 reputable companies in key sectors such as Pharmaceuticals, Medical Equipment & Healthcare, Logistics, Tourism, Hotels & Resorts, and Animal Feed.

(Source: Vietnam Report)

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/dieu-thu-vi-ve-tuoi-cua-ceo-cac-doanh-nghiep-lon-nhat-viet-nam-2358207.html