KPMG 2022 CEO Outlook

Growth strategies for turbulent times

Amid a business environment marred by inflationary pressures, geopolitical tensions and fears of a recession, CEOs surveyed in KPMG’s 2022 CEO Outlook continue to display confidence in the global economy.

In Singapore, top executives surveyed feel well-prepared to seize opportunities in the next wave of economic growth.

As the country positions itself for growth amid post-pandemic recovery, the focus of businesses will be on how they can transform themselves and pivot their business models to gain market share in the face of intense global competition. With ESG responsibilities of CEOs rising to the fore, business leaders will also have to decide how they can communicate what they stand for and align these with purpose-driven outcomes.

The findings from the KPMG 2022 CEO Outlook show that CEOs worldwide are displaying greater confidence, grit and tenacity in riding out the short-term economic impacts to their businesses.

Compared to previous years, CEOs now feel better prepared to weather short-term challenges with resiliency measures, such as boosting productivity, managing costs and reconsidering digital transformation strategies to manage impacts.

We are also seeing many positioning for long-term growth. In Singapore, about 80% of CEOs have indicated that their corporate purpose will have the greatest impact in building customer relationships over the next three years. Mergers and acquisitions remain popular as well, with 84% of Singapore’s business leaders valuing innovation to build a cutting edge amid a globally competitive landscape.

Ong Pang Thye
Managing Partner
KPMG in Singapore

KPMG 2022 CEO Outlook draws on the perspectives of 1,325 global CEOs across 11 markets for insight into their three-year outlook on the business and economic landscape. The eighth edition of the report reveals shifts in strategy and viewpoints during a period of constant change. Research for the report was conducted from July to August 2022.