C-Suite Barometer: Outlook 2025
Economic uncertainty and increased competition are stalling Irish business growth, according to Forvis Mazars C-Suite Barometer 2025
Global C-suite barometer: outlook 2025 - Cutting through competition
20 February 2025
Our annual global C-suite barometer gathers the views of 1,700+ executives from all over the world.
Each year we uncover the strategic priorities on the C-suite’s agenda and the market trends expected to impact businesses in the years ahead.
This latest global study reveals a business world focused on opportunities for growth and expansion in a more competitive environment. 2025 is the year for C-suite executives to scale up and get ahead.
Key findings
- The majority (93%) of C-suite leaders worldwide have a positive growth outlook for their organisations – consistent with 2024 (94%) and up from 86% in 2023.
- Increased competition and heightened geopolitical instability are now the two biggest rising trends holding back growth for executives – 35% (up 13 points) and 30% (up eight points from 2024), respectively.
- Economic uncertainty remains a concern. It is expected to have the biggest impact on organisations (39%) followed by increased competition (33%).
- More than four in five businesses (83%) plan to expand to at least one new country in the next five years, with over 40% targeting three or more new countries.
- Just under half (43%) of organisations continue to report a struggle to recruit talented people.
While it’s encouraging to see a positive growth outlook for businesses, achieving growth in 2025 will mean navigating several key uncertainties. The overarching challenge will be maintaining strategic priorities and a clear vision amid new market entrants, continuing technological disruption and potential market turbulence if C-suite executives are to cut through increasing competition and lead their businesses to success in 2025.
C-suite barometer - UK insights
Informed by the experiences and expectations of global business leaders, the UK edition offers a timely view into the challenges and strategies shaping UK executive decision-making.
Get in touch
If you have any questions in advance of our UK-focused release or would like to discuss anything in our global report, please get in touch.
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Key contacts
Gareth Jones (Partner) Head of Growth: Mid-market and private client
