Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, KPMG's 11th CEO Outlook Report indicates that CEOs remain somewhat optimistic, but are cautious about the future.
Key takeaways
79% of company executives are still upbeat about the future of their own companies, despite a decline in confidence in the world economy to levels comparable to those encountered during the epidemic. In order to encourage and foster future growth, they strongly endorse a combination of investing in AI (71%) and keeping and retraining promising individuals (71%). Most executives (72%) are changing their growth strategy, reevaluating their priorities, and establishing clear guidelines:
AI as an accelerator of transformation, talent as creators of value and ESG as a driver of innovation.
Looking ahead, most anticipate increased revenue and workforce expansion over the next three years. Expectations for returns on investment in artificial intelligence have also intensified, with most executives now forecasting results within one to three years—much sooner than the three to five years anticipated for 2024.
Against this backdrop of ongoing transformation, a new balance is emerging between innovation, performance, and sustainability.
AI is a top priority in terms of investment
69% of executives plan to allocate 10 to 20% of their budget to it over the next 12 months.
Adaptability is emerging as a strategic priority
72% of CEOs worldwide have already adapted their 3-year growth plans to respond to current volatility.
79% of business leaders worldwide and in France
believe that integrating AI into their organizations has led them to rethink how employees are trained and their skills are developed.
79% of CEOs remain confident in their companies
a sign that they now feel rather well prepared and equipped to face the continuing wave of disruptions.
92% of global CEOs
plan to increase their workforce in the coming year, confirming that AI is seen as a lever for growth and not for job reduction.
Study Methodology
The 11th edition of the CEO Outlook was conducted between August 5 and September 10, 2025, among 1,350 CEOs worldwide. It offers a unique insight into their mindset, strategic priorities, and operational decisions in a context of persistent uncertainty. All respondents have revenues exceeding US$500 million, and one-third of the surveyed companies have annual revenues exceeding US$10 billion. The survey covers 11 countries (Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and 11 major industries (asset management, automotive, banking, consumer goods and retail, energy, infrastructure, insurance, life sciences, manufacturing, technology, and telecommunications).
