CXO Job Market Report 2026: Increasing High Salary Positions and Demand in Tech Sector

Overview of the CXO Job Market Report 2026

Kreis & Company, a leading firm in career support for high-class professionals based in Minato, Tokyo, has recently published its latest findings in the "CXO Job Market Report 2026." This report encapsulates the key trends and shifts observed in the CXO and executive personnel job market, synthesizing unique data gathered through their extensive career assistance efforts.

The 2026 report sheds light on significant growth in job openings for high-salaried positions, especially within the tech sector, driven primarily by the increasing demands for management talent in areas such as AI and digital transformation. Notably, around 60% of job listings now indicate annual salaries exceeding ¥20 million, marking a substantial shift in the employment landscape for executives.

Significant Salary Increases

The last five years have shown an impressive 2.2 times increase in the availability of CXO positions offering salaries above ¥15 million. This substantial growth can be attributed to intensified competition driven by business expansion and the need to tackle complex managerial challenges, particularly in tech-oriented sectors. Positions such as CEO, CFO, and COO have led this hiring surge, supplemented by an increased focus on CTO, CMO, CPO, and CHRO roles.

Distribution of Positions

In terms of job roles, approximately 29.4% of positions are CEO and COO, while CFO positions account for 19.3%. This indicates that roles related to business execution and financial oversight remain central to CXO hiring. Additionally, CIO appearances rose from 1.8% to 4.4%, and CTO roles increased from 7.5% to 8.8%, highlighting a growing recognition of technology's influence on management dynamics.

Positions like CTO, CMO, CPO, and CHRO account for around 8% each, showcasing the continued demand for leaders in technology, customer engagement, product development, and organizational management sectors.

Rise in Unpublished Recruitment

The report also illustrates a notable increase in unpublished job openings, especially for positions with a salary exceeding ¥30 million, where 95% are not publicly listed. The secrecy surrounding CXO recruitment often stems from sensitive business topics such as existing executive relationships, new strategic initiatives, IPO preparations, and organizational restructuring.

Increase in Startups Recruiting CXO

Another exciting trend revealed by the report is the rise in CXO hiring by startups, which has jumped from 31.8% to 43.9% over the past year. When combined with listings from publicly traded ventures, over 70% of CXO posts are being filled by growth-oriented companies. Hiring efforts within Series B firms now focus on enhancing executive teams, particularly for roles like COO, CFO, and VP positions, along with an influx of experienced professionals from large corporations and consulting firms.

Analysis and Insights

The CXO hiring market continues to experience increased job openings, with a steady progression toward higher salaries. With the advancement of AI and digitalization, many firms are being compelled to adapt through business and organizational transformation, which raises the requirement for CXO candidates to possess not only expertise in specific sectors but also the capability to drive overall business success.

In recent times, the profile of desirable management talent is evolving. Companies are now searching for individuals who can make informed decisions in a rapidly changing environment, exhibit a profound understanding of technology, maintain a customer-centric approach, and possess significant organizational development skills.

Moreover, the high percentage of unpublished jobs and the surge in hiring by startups indicate a strategic shift in the landscape of executive talent acquisition, highlighting a need for a more nuanced and confidential approach.

As aspiring CXOs consider their next career moves, it is increasingly vital to assess their unique experiences and strengths through the lens of how they can create value as management professionals.

Explore More

For insights on the CXO professional landscape, visit CXO column “What is the title of CXO?” here.

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Employers interested in CXO or executive recruitment can reach out via this form.

Kreis & Company is dedicated to facilitating impactful career changes for motivated individuals, emphasizing not just salary and position, but also the deeper '志' (mission) that drives personal fulfillment in ones career. As we lead and innovate within Japan’s job market landscape, we continue to create opportunities for aspiring high-class professionals to connect with companies that share their vision.