C-Suite Perspectives C-Suite Outlook 2026: Top Priorities for CEOs
Jan 20, 2026
David Young, the President of the Committee for Economic Development, shares valuable insights on the concerns of CEOs heading into 2026. He emphasizes that economic and geopolitical uncertainties top the list of risks. Young discusses the complexities of tariffs and supply chains, highlighting the need for stable policies to facilitate long-term investments. The conversation shifts to the evolving perception of AI, focusing on measuring its ROI and the potential for job enhancement when implemented wisely. CEOs are redefining growth strategies in response to these challenges.
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Uncertainty Defines The 2026 Operating Environment
- CEOs view economic and geopolitical uncertainty as the defining structural risk for 2026.
- Tariffs, trade policy shifts, and protectionism amplify that uncertainty and distort long-term planning.
Tariffs Pressure Costs And Pricing
- Tariffs and protectionism are top operational concerns that raise input costs and pressure pricing decisions.
- CEOs fear inconsistent trade policy will force them to choose between absorbing costs or passing them to customers.
AI Investment Moves From Hype To ROI
- CEOs now treat AI investment like any major capital decision and demand measurable ROI.
- Nearly half of US CEOs say measuring AI ROI is an absolute priority for 2026.