Irish CEOs see disruption as opportunity for their business
A new survey by KPMG has found that the majority of Irish CEOs (90%) see disruption as an opportunity, not a threat, to their business. While just four in 10 Irish CEOs are confident about growth in the global economy, 84% say they are confident about growth in the domestic economy and 93% are confident of growth in their industry, according to KPMG’s CEO Outlook for 2017.
The study found that 60% of Irish CEOs believe geopolitical uncertainties are having a greater impact on their business than previously seen. Separately, CEOs in the Republic of Ireland are significantly more optimistic about economic growth (84%) than those in Northern Ireland (40%). More positively, the number of Irish CEOs who expect to increase headcount over the next three years has also increased from 32 to 43%.
Shaun Murphy, Managing Partner of KPMG said: “What is clear from this year’s survey is that many Irish CEOs are optimistic about the future of their own business, despite doubts about the global economy. From the uncertainty of Brexit, the threat of protectionism and the challenges of new technology, Irish CEOs are accustomed to risk and are using it to create new opportunities.”
Other findings
97% of Irish CEOs want their own business to be the ‘disruptor’ in their sector.
73% of Irish CEOs are increasing penetration in established markets, making this the top priority for growth with Germany (77%) as the most targeted market.
60% of Irish CEOs believe that levels of trust in business will stay the same or decline in the next three years.