CEO 2025: Outlook & Sentiment Study

The CEO 2025: Outlook & Sentiment Study identifies evolving changes in sentiments among C-Suite executives amid rapidly changing business, economic, and geopolitical environments.

This year’s highlights:

• A 2025 CEO Financial Performance Index (FPI) of 144%, compared to 155% in 2024, showcasing confidence, but more cautious than last year
• A 2025 CEO Spending Index (CSI) of 105%, the same as last year’s index, but with 32% increasing in 2025 vs. only 25% increasing in 2024
• 65% of respondents plan Hybrid work environments in 2025, along with 21% planning Full Onsite, and only 10% Full Remote models
• A surge in planned AI adoption, with 79% of respondents intending to implement AI solutions, up from 58% in 2024

This year’s study provides insights into evolving sentiments and financial outlooks, work model dynamics, and technology implementation plans, offering multiple benchmarks for organizations navigating 2025’s complexities.

The overwhelming majority of respondents serve as CEOs or Presidents, or related corporate executive titles for companies of all sizes, but predominantly in the Small-Medium Business (SMB) category. This study’s demographics reflect a wide range of industries including manufacturing/distribution, professional services, software/technology, non-profit, construction, healthcare, education, and retail.

All data for this report comes from a confidential and strictly anonymous survey conducted between November 2024 and January 2025, with responses from more than 300 participants.