Here are some of the most notable high-profile CEOs and politicians who have resigned, retired, stepped down, or otherwise departed their roles since January 6, 2025 (based on public reports up to mid-February 2026). This focuses on prominent examples rather than an exhaustive list, as turnover has been exceptionally high for CEOs in 2025 (record levels across industries) and significant for U.S. Congress members ahead of the 2026 midterms.Notable CEOsMany departures were tied to personal conduct investigations, performance issues, activist pressure, or strategic shifts. Key examples include:Rodney McMullen (Kroger) — Resigned abruptly in March 2025 after a board investigation into personal conduct inconsistent with company ethics policy (unrelated to business operations).
Linda Yaccarino (X, formerly Twitter) — Departed as CEO in 2025 amid broader corporate changes and challenges at the platform.
Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen (Novo Nordisk) — Stepped down in May 2025 after eight years leading the company behind Ozempic and Wegovy.
Ashley Buchanan (Kohl's) — Fired in March 2025 (after just months on the job) over an undisclosed romantic relationship and related business decisions violating ethics rules.
Laurent Freixe (Nestlé) — Ousted in 2025 following an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a subordinate.
Calvin McDonald (Lululemon) — Stepped down in late 2025 amid criticism from founder Chip Wilson over performance.
Other prominent healthcare and retail exits include leaders from Ascension (Joseph Impicciche, retirement), various hospitals/systems, and additional retail chains facing losses or pressure.
CEO turnover hit records in 2025, with hundreds departing U.S. companies (e.g., 222 in January alone, the highest on record), driven by economic uncertainty, ethics probes, and post-election dynamics.Notable Politicians (Primarily U.S. Congress)A historic wave of retirements, resignations, and shifts to other offices has affected over 60 members (more than 10% of Congress) not returning after 2026, with several actual resignations mid-term. High-profile ones include:Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga., U.S. House) — Resigned effective January 5, 2026, following a public fallout with President Trump over policy issues and Epstein file revelations.
Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J., U.S. House) — Resigned effective November 20, 2025, after winning her gubernatorial race.
Mark Green (R-Tenn., U.S. House) — Resigned in July 2025.
Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif., former House Speaker) — Announced retirement/not seeking reelection in late 2025, ending a decades-long career.
Steny Hoyer (D-Md., long-serving House Democrat) — Announced retirement in early 2026 after holding his seat since 1981.
Other congressional figures include retirements from Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Jodey Arrington, and several others not seeking reelection; some senators like Mitch McConnell also announced departures.
Additionally, some international or executive-linked figures (e.g., tied to Epstein file fallout) resigned in early 2026, including business leaders like Tom Pritzker (Hyatt executive chairman) and others with political ties, but pure politicians were more retirement-focused.These changes reflect broader trends: economic pressures and scrutiny for CEOs, and political fatigue, midterm strategy, or controversies for politicians.
GROK