Ageism.
Two decades of experience, depending on your role, might be seen as a downside. E.g, if you have been an engineer for two decades (not staff+), the question is why that person is not “motivated” to grow. Another reason is that juniors can be cheaper and easier to mold.
Two decades of experience for someone looking for a VP position is a different story, with different challenges.
I wouldn't even call it ageism. Its crazy-making x nepotism. People have stopped treating companies as a vehicle to deliver something into the economy, instead its like a great big Mastadon to be clung to like a tick and sucked dry. Fuck the accountant regime.
Two decades of experience for someone looking for a VP position is a different story, with different challenges.