KPMG 2021 CEO Outlook

Plugged-in, people-first, purpose-led.

Optimism is back in the boardroom

It’s been about 18 months since the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic, and the latest edition of our CEO Outlook survey gauges how leadership strategies and concerns have shifted during these demanding times. CEOs are confident in the growth prospects of their company and the global economy in general. They feel a strong connection to their organization’s purpose and are looking to expand their business to emerge stronger.

KPMG 2021 CEO Outlook

Plugged-in, people-first, purpose-led

KPMG 2021 CEO Outlook

Plugged-in, people-first, purpose-led

Drawing on the perspectives of 1,325 chief executives across 11 major markets, this year’s survey offers a lens on how today’s connected CEOs are plugged-in, people-first and purpose-led. Overall, three themes emerged: the road to renewal and leaders’ optimism about the path to growth, the importance of following through on a trusted purpose by driving bold environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs, and the determination of CEOs to instill new levels of digital agility.

Despite the continued uncertainty around the pandemic, CEOs are increasingly confident that the global economy is coming back strong. This confidence has put leadership in an aggressive growth stance. While inorganic growth strategies are a priority, CEOs are also looking to expand organically and continue to assess the future of work to ensure they can attract top talent.

If there is a positive to come out of the past 18 months, it is that CEOs are increasingly putting ESG at the heart of their recovery and long-term growth strategies. The unfolding climate and societal crises have made it clear that we need to change our ways and work together. I’m encouraged about what the future holds because business leaders are acknowledging that they need to be the drivers of positive change, supporting measures to tackle environmental dangers, as well as societal challenges — from gender and race, to equity and social mobility.

Bill Thomas
Global Chairman & CEO
KPMG

_{Unless otherwise indicated, throughout this report, “we”, “KPMG”, “us” and “our” refer to the network of independent member firms operating under the KPMG name and affiliated with KPMG International or to one or more of these firms or to KPMG International.}

Explore the CEO Outlook

Sign up to receive CEO Outlook insights in your inbox

Latest insights from CEO's of global organizations on issues that are driving their business decisions.

>

Already subscribed

The email address you've entered is already tied to an existing account. Please enter your password to log in.

KPMG thought leadership is always available to our registered users

OR

You’ve successfully logged in.

Please close this pop-up to return to the page.

Please provide the following information to register.

The email format is incorrect. This field is required Incorrect email format. Please enter corporate email address.

Email

This field is required

First name

This field is required

Last name

This field is required

Company

I agree to receiving insights, invitations and other interesting information from KPMG in Slovakia.

You will only receive e-mail communications based on selections you make in the KPMG Preference Centre. You can change the respective preferences or opt-out from e-mail communication at any time by making changes in your account.

I agree to creating my KPMG Preference Centre account and with processing of personal data according to KPMG in Slovakia’s Privacy notice

By registering and creating the KPMG Preference Centre account, your selections will be used to personalise your website experience. We may also present you with recommendations to our products and services we believe may be suitable for you, based on the information you provide to us and the selections you make in the KPMG Preference Centre. You can withdraw the given consent at any time by deleting your account.

By registering, you express your agreement with the Terms and Conditions of KPMG in Slovakia. You can find more information about the processing of your personal data on our website www.kpmg.sk, section: Personal data protection,
part: Users of KPMG website, purpose: Provision of personalized content in the relation with KPMG Preference Center and the related information.