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• Economic optimism surges: Nearly 60% of CEOs expect global growth to increase in 2025, a significant rise from prior years.
• Reinvention imperative: 42% of CEOs believe their companies won’t survive beyond the next decade without reinvention.
• AI driving efficiency: 56% of CEOs report gains from GenAI, with 32% seeing revenue increases despite trust concerns.

CEOs See Economic Growth Ahead

Nearly 60% of CEOs worldwide predict global economic growth will rise over the next 12 months, according to PwC’s 28th Annual Global CEO Survey, launched during the World Economic Forum. This marks a steep increase from 38% last year and 18% two years ag

Over 40% of CEOs plan to increase headcount, with technology, real estate, private equity, and pharma sectors leading. Smaller companies (<$100M revenue) are particularly bullish, with 48% planning to expand their teams.

“Business leaders are optimistic about the year ahead but recognize the need to reinvent how they create, deliver, and capture value,” said Mohamed Kande, Global Chairman, PwC.

Reinvention: A Strategic Imperative

42% of CEOs believe their current business models won’t be viable in 10 years without transformation. Nearly two-thirds (63%) have already taken significant steps to reshape their operations.

CEOs venturing into new sectors (38%) reported meaningful revenue contributions from these moves, but agility remains a challenge. Most companies reallocate less than 20% of budgets and workforce annually, limiting innovation.

“New ecosystems are forming, transforming competition and value creation,” added Kande. “Bold decisions around people, strategy, and supply chains are critical.”

GenAI’s Mixed Impact

While 56% of CEOs credit GenAI with efficiency gains, only 34% reported profitability improvements – falling short of 2024 expectations. Optimism remains strong, with 49% anticipating profitability increases in 2025.

Challenges include limited trust in AI systems, with only one-third of CEOs expressing high confidence in integrating AI into key processes. However, AI’s employment impact has been largely positive, with more leaders noting headcount growth (17%) than reductions (13%).

Related Article: PwC CEO Survey: Climate Concerns Drive Transformation Agenda

“CEOs are increasingly confident about AI’s potential but see trust as a hurdle,” said Matt Wood, PwC’s Global & US CTIO.

Climate Investments Paying Off

Climate-related initiatives have proven profitable, with CEOs reporting they are six times more likely to increase revenue than decrease it. Two-thirds also noted cost reductions or neutral cost impacts from these investments.

Regulatory complexity remains a key barrier to initiating climate projects, cited by 24% of CEOs. Despite this, climate transition and AI are reshaping sectors and value creation.

“Megatrends like climate and AI are driving transformation,” said Carol Stubbings, PwC’s Global Chief Commercial Officer. “Reinvention is the key to thriving in the future economy.”

This survey reveals an optimistic yet pragmatic CEO outlook, balancing short-term growth with the need for reinvention in the face of evolving economic, technological, and environmental pressures.

Read the full survey here.

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