Ireland CEO Outlook 2025: Top findings on risk, innovation, and sustainability

Introduction

Business leaders are steering their organisations through a world defined by uncertainty, technological acceleration, and heightened expectations from stakeholders. The challenges are significant – geopolitical shifts, regulatory complexity, cyber and climate risk. So too are the opportunities to innovate, to lead with purpose, and to create lasting value.

Areas such as technology and AI, energy, and life sciences are amongst those where profound change is already underway, and with longer term societal and economic impacts and significant business implications.

That is why CEO insights matter. This research, conducted in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and worldwide on our behalf by Forbes, is based on the views of over 1,300 leaders. They know what it takes to shoulder responsibility, make difficult choices, and inspire teams through change. Our CEO Outlook, now in its eleventh year, provides more than a snapshot of sentiment; it offers suggestions for success.

At KPMG we believe the most valuable insights are those that are actionable – grounded in data, sharpened by experience, and relevant to the decisions leaders must make today. These include how to prioritise risks when everything feels urgent. How to harness the transformative potential of AI while preparing people and safeguarding trust. And how to embed sustainability in a way that secures low carbon energy security.

As our research indicates, CEOs are typically more positive about their own organisation than they are about the wider economy. In Ireland, we know from conversations with CEOs that despite measured optimism, economic concerns remain. These are particularly pronounced on issues such infrastructure, including housing, water and energy and these require concerted action to resolve. As a guide, our recent Dublin 2040 research highlights a wide range of pragmatic policy suggestions that can help make a significant difference to infrastructure delivery - not just in the capital, but nationwide.

Finally, our thanks to everyone who shared their views with us. At KPMG, we are proud to support so many CEOs and their teams as they work to achieve their ambitions.

Ryan McCarthy
Managing Partner
KPMG in Ireland

Ryan McCarthy

Managing Partner

KPMG in Ireland

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Our survey findings - at a glance

Outlook

Irish CEO confidence in economy down marginally on 2024 as trade concerns persist.

More jobs

94% of Irish CEOs expect to increase their headcount over the next 3 years.

Company growth

CEOs are positive – 83% expect company growth in the next 3 years.

Increased pressure

77% of Irish CEOs feel under greater pressure to deliver v’s global average of 59%.

Risks

Geopolitics and a fast-changing tech environment are adding to a packed CEO agenda.

People & tech

CEOs cite AI work force readiness as the single biggest threat to growth in over next 3 years.

Cyber fears

More than eight in ten (83%) worry about cybercrime, underscoring the vulnerability to digital threats.

Supply chain resilience

Investing in supply chain resilience (37%) is the single greatest area of focus to minimise risk.

Innovation

AI brings advantages. And new challenges in terms of costs and skills.

AI focus

Almost two-thirds of Irish CEOs (63%) identify AI as a top investment priority.

Advantage AI

Nine in ten Irish CEOs (89%) say AI will deliver competitive advantage, mirroring international sentiment.

Skills shifts

Six in ten (57%) say AI has already reshaped entry-level roles and 74%plan to redeploy staff into AI-enabled jobs.

Sustainability

Sustainability is changing but remains central to CEO plans

Net Zero

Irish confidence on reaching net zero by 2030 is weak at 29% v’s 61% worldwide.

Complexity challenges

The complexity of decarbonising supply chains the biggest challenge for Irish CEOs in achieving net zero or sustainability aims.

In-house capability

Almost a third (31%) of CEOs say they don’t have the internal ability to achieve sustainability compliance.

Explore Risk

Explore Innovation

Explore Sustainability

Next steps

The 2025 KPMG CEO Outlook highlights a year defined by complexity, risk, and opportunity. Economic disruption remains a pressing threat – with tariffs and trade tensions heightening the challenges at home and worldwide.

Protectionist measures add to costs, impacts trade, disrupt supply chains, and, when combined with rapid technological change, the ripple effects can weaken consumer demand and impact on employment.

Yet leaders in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are also optimistic. They recognise the need to stay on the front foot in a world where technology is reshaping business models at pace and providing huge opportunities.

For current and aspiring CEOs, digital literacy at leadership level is increasingly essential and the ability to distinguish genuine opportunity and real risk from noise will in part influence who succeeds.

The challenge is to invest wisely: in technology that delivers measurable benefits, in people, products and services that meet shifting customer needs, and in sustainability strategies that, though under pressure, can drive competitivenes.

In a world where risk, regulation, and reputation intersect more than ever, CEO success will depend on sound judgment and trusted advice. Above all, the strongest organisations will be those that continue to put the judgement and leadership of people first – in leading teams, leading on technology and leading on sustainability at a time of profound change.

St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, seen from above

This edition of the KPMG CEO Outlook was conducted by Forbes Insights on behalf of KPMG with 1,350 CEOs between 5 August and 10 September 2025, provides unique insight into the mindset, strategies and planning tactics of CEOs.

All respondents oversee companies with annual revenues over US$500M and a third of the companies surveyed have more than US$10B in annual revenue. The survey included CEOs from 11 key markets (Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, UK and US) and 12 key industry sectors (asset management, automotive, banking, consumer and retail, energy, healthcare, infrastructure, insurance, life sciences, manufacturing, technology, and telecommunications)

NOTE: Some figures may not add up to 100 percent due to rounding.

Ireland’s CEOs are ready.
Are you?

Chat with our leadership team about how the trends uncovered in CEO Outlook 2025 apply to your business and sector - connect with us to turn insight into action.