From the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to intensifying geopolitical tensions, today’s CEOs face a landscape defined by complexity and constant change. Alongside external pressures, internal challenges such as workforce upskilling and the shift to hybrid working models demand agility and adaptability in managing stakeholders while maintaining a focus on long-term growth.
First launched a decade ago, the KPMG CEO Outlook has surveyed over 1,300 global business leaders annually, representing companies with revenues exceeding $500 million across major economies and industries. The last ten years have been marked by volatility, from the economic and social shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic to rising inflation and geopolitical instability. These challenges have placed increasing pressure on CEOs while contributing to a decline in confidence in the global economy.
Despite these headwinds, business leaders remain resilient, steering their organizations toward sustainable growth. The 2024 survey highlights that CEOs continue to prioritize significant investments in AI and workforce development to meet evolving business demands. A notable 92% of respondents expressed optimism about their organization’s future, with plans to increase overall workforce headcounts. However, they also acknowledged the need to futureproof employee skillsets and enhance their employee value proposition to attract and retain top talent.
When it comes to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, CEOs understand the need to balance ambition with caution. Doing so not only mitigates stakeholder criticism but also ensures they fulfill broader responsibilities, with ESG becoming a cornerstone of long-term value creation.
Top Risks CEOs Have Faced Over the Past Decade
The last ten years of data from the KPMG CEO Outlook survey highlight recurring risks that have shaped corporate strategies:
- Cybersecurity
- Operational challenges
- Emerging and disruptive technologies
- Geopolitical and political uncertainties
- Environmental and climate change issues
- Supply chain disruptions
- Regulatory pressures
- Strategic risks
- Reputational and brand concerns
Priorities for the Future: Digitization, AI, and ESG
Looking ahead to the next three years, CEOs have identified key operational priorities that will shape their strategies:
- Advancing digitization and connectivity across businesses (18%).
- Adopting and implementing generative AI technologies while upskilling the workforce (13%).
- Executing ESG initiatives to create sustainable value (13%).
By embracing digital transformation and focusing on talent development, CEOs aim to address immediate operational challenges while positioning their companies for long-term, sustainable growth. Investments in innovation, a renewed focus on employee value, and a commitment to ESG are seen as essential for building resilience and achieving organic growth in an increasingly unpredictable business environment.
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