Ready to strategise and combat operational risks

The KPMG CEO Outlook series presents an in-depth analysis of the impact of this once-in-a-lifetime crisis COVID-19 and the prospects for economic recovery amid growing uncertainty. Since the onset of the pandemic, KPMG has stayed connected with business leaders across the country, through our August 2020 and March 2021 Pulse survey to garner valuable insights from India Inc. KPMG’s 2021 India CEO Outlook brings out pertinent viewpoints on the future from 125 CEOs in the country.

KPMG 2021 India CEO Outlook

Towards a digitally driven purpose-led recovery

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Some of the key developments are focused on how today’s connected CEOs in India are ready for a recovery that is digitally driven, and purpose-led, so as to build better and stronger organisations than ever before. Overall, three key themes emerged from this year’s survey: A solid roadmap to recovery wherein leaders are optimistic about the path to growth, digital edge with CEOs in India focusing on building digital resilience along with agility and the importance of following through on a trusted purpose by increasingly focusing on meeting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals.

While the global crisis has led to a significant decline in confidence in organisational and sectoral growth, CEOs in India much like their global counterparts, are quite optimistic about the prospects for the global economy. Living through an unprecedented crisis, they had to constantly reassess their strategies for business continuity and growth.

With the threat of new variants and advent of a third wave in India expected anytime now, we may not be back to business as usual just yet. But what is heartening to note is that CEOs in India are ready to strategise and combat operational risks, despite the demanding times. Over a year later we now have the opportunity to build a stronger, more sustainable future only if we work together, and most importantly build back better.

Arun M. Kumar
Chairman & CEO
KPMG in India
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A solid roadmap to recovery
Article Posted date 28 September 2021

Confidence of CEOs in India on the growth prospects of their country and company has declined. However, their confidence in growth prospects for the global economy has increased.

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Digital edge
Article Posted date 28 September 2021

Having focused on accelerating digital transformation for the last 18 months, CEOs in India are now focusing on building digital resilience along with agility.

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Guided by purpose
Article Posted date 28 September 2021

As they look forward to embedding purpose in the fabric of their organisations, CEOs in India are increasingly focusing on meeting their ESG goals.

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