Sorry Gen X: Boomers are making millennials their successors for CEO jobs instead because they're down with AI | Fortune

Gen , but baby boomers leaders are skipping them in favor of millennials taking the throne. The proportion of Gen X chief executives in the Russell 3000 has steadily decreased-and it may have to do with the “forgotten generation” being hesitant with AI. Meanwhile, X professionals patiently waited their turn for the coveted CEO role Red Lobster , Lime , and Kickstarter have all appointed millennials to the CEO job in recent years. Many employees put decades of blood, sweat, and tears into climbing the corporate career ladder-but the top rung is missing the “ forgotten generation ” of workers, and it may be knocked out from their AI hesitation. About 41.5% of CEOs in the Russell 3000 are at least 60 years old, part of the baby boomer generation, up from 35.1% in 2017, according to research by the Conference Board and Esgauge. Meanwhile, the number of millennial chief executives, in their 30s and 40s, has increased from 13.8% to 15.1% over those eight years. But Gen Xers, entering the senior-level stages of their careers, aren’t seeing that same rise in representation. About 43.4% of CEOs are in their 50s-a fall from 51.1% during that same period. While Gen X still represents the greatest proportion of CEOs, they face dwindling opportunities compared to their millennial counterparts . Instead of giving their jobs to the next generation below them, baby boomers are skipping over Gen X in favor of promoting younger talent into their spots. Much of this change can be linked back to AI’s rising prominence in the workplace, experts say. Nearly all companies are integrating the advanced tech into their business strategies , and millennials by and large have the digital skills to lead that change. The ‘forgotten’ and unappreciated generation skittish on AI It’s no secret that AI is here to stay-and CEOs are adamant that the only workers who will thrive are those who embrace the technology . However, older generations are a lot more hesitant to use ChatGPT and other tools compared to digital-native youngsters. Millennials are leading the way when it comes to embracing advanced technology. About 50% of millennials use generative AI at work, compared to just 34% of Gen X, and 19% of baby boomers, according to a 2024 report from recruitment agency Randstad . Plus, younger workers are more positive about the tech; 55% of millennials are optimistic about AI-driven solutions, as opposed to 37% of Gen X, and 36% of boomers. While the oldest generation is the least prepared and hopeful when it comes to using AI themselves, they’re looking for successors who are more willing. And millennials perfectly fit the bill: they’re old enough to have industry experience, grew up with the internet, and are more forward-thinking about AI use in business. Gen Z are too young, and Gen X are more skittish on the technology. But there may be another factor at hand: Gen X is simply being overlooked at work in general. Due to workplace ageism and...

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