“Disruption breeds opportunity”. This is a resounding theme from Teneo’s annual CEO and Investor Outlook Survey. The study captures the views of more than 260 global CEOs and institutional investors representing approximately $3.4 trillion USD of combined company and portfolio value.

“Amidst the disruption, business leaders are signalling a readiness to stop simply reacting and to start capitalizing on opportunity. For instance, CEOs and investors are largely upbeat on the potential for an active M&A market in the new year, adoption of AI technologies and development of a new generation of corporate leadership,” Chairwoman Ursula Burns and the CEO, Paul Keary, highlight.

Check out the main findings:

CEOs and investors are split on the macroeconomy

53% of CEOs expect worsening economic conditions in the first half of 2024; however, 94% of investors expect the macroeconomic environment to improve.

The battle for tech talent 

78% of CEOs say they are investing in AI, up 20 points from last year. But 1 in 4 do not believe they have the right people in place to power their AI program.

Deglobalization will continue

Four out of five CEOs continue to retool in the face of deglobalization challenges: 80% report ongoing adjustments to prepare for the potential of deglobalization, with a particular focus on supply chain resiliency

The course of ESG

Despite political headwinds, 92% of global CEOs surveyed are staying the course on ESG. However, 72% of CEOs are making some change in how they operate – with many exercising increased caution on external communication of ESG initiatives.

Domestic politics is a big business story

Every U.S.-based CEO surveyed is making some type of change to their business strategy in anticipation of the outcome of the 2024 presidential lection. Domestic political disruption is cited as the top risk heading into 2024, with potential changes to monetary policy and government spending, data privacy.

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Source: Teneo Vision 2024 | Fortune