Derby's Paul Boertien saw his goalbound effort blocked by John McGreal three minutes after the interval.

BBC: Ipswich 0-1 Derby

But Derby defended resolutely, Poom saving well from McGreal and George in quick succession.

BBC: Ipswich 0-1 Derby

Still, Mr. McGreal expects the decline will "level off" because the COO position continues to be a crucial feeder for the corner office.

WSJ: More Companies Go Without COOs

The trend is largely driven by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which required CEOs and finance chiefs to sign off on quarterly financial reports, according to Mr. McGreal.

WSJ: More Companies Go Without COOs