Vietnam Report’s data on the ages of CEOs in the Top 500 largest enterprises in Vietnam (VNR500) reveals that CEOs born in the years of the horse, dragon, rat, and dog zodiac signs make up the largest proportion, at 15.6%, 15.3%, 14.8%, and 14.5% respectively.
Looking at the elemental branches, the number of CEOs born in the year of the Yang Water Rat (1972) is the highest at 5.8%, followed by those born in the year of the Wood Dragon (1974), Fire Snake (1976), and Earth Snake (1977), each group accounting for 5.3%.
It can be seen that many large enterprise CEOs in this year’s VNR500 ranking belong to the 7X generation. This generation benefited from an open learning environment, as the country enjoyed peace and began to embrace influences from Western countries. During the era of renovation, they gained access to modern information technology and favorable conditions through international trade policies. Additionally, they possess a wealth of experience in business and management compared to the younger generation.
According to Vietnam Report’s data, CEOs under the age of 40 in Vietnam account for approximately 10.8%, significantly lower than the proportion of CEOs aged 41 to 50 (41.1%) and those over 51 years old (48.1%). However, this percentage has increased compared to previous years.
In reality, ages 45 and above are considered the prime years for Vietnamese entrepreneurs, as they tend to have accumulated a wealth of knowledge, courage, leadership experience, and a network of essential business connections.
Meanwhile, the increase in the number of CEOs under 40 indicates that enterprises are embracing younger, more creative leaders who can quickly adapt to the modern business environment. This reflects the trend towards leadership diversification and rejuvenation within the Vietnamese business community.
Out of the 12.9% of entrepreneurs born in the year of the snake in the VNR500 ranking this year, 2.3% were born in the year of the Wood Snake (1965).
Notable VNR500 enterprise leaders born in 1965 include: CEO Han Ngoc Vu (Vietnam International Commercial Joint Stock Bank), CEO Le Quoc Long (South East Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank), CEO Pham Van Tai (Truong Hai Auto Corporation), CEO Tran Tuc Ma (Traphaco Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company), CEO Pham Thi Thanh Huong (Binh Dinh Pharmaceutical – Medical Equipment Joint Stock Company), and CEO Pham Thi Xuan Huong (OPC Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company), among others.
