C-Suite Perspectives C-Suite Outlook 2026: Where CEOs Plan to Invest This Year
Jan 15, 2026
Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, shares vital insights on CEO strategies for 2026 amid global uncertainties. She discusses how geopolitical risks and cyber threats dominate business concerns, forcing a reevaluation of supply chains and costs. Peterson highlights the shift toward AI adoption, emphasizing its potential for productivity and the need for skilled talent. Despite challenges, CEOs are prioritizing investment, focusing on domestic markets, and striving for growth through innovation and customer-centered strategies.
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Strengthen Governance For Fragmented Rules
- Expect regulatory fragmentation and expand governance and risk teams to navigate differing rules.
- Build stronger compliance capacity to operate across multiple jurisdictions smoothly.
Cyber Tops Geopolitical Fears
- CEOs put geopolitical risk near the top of their concerns, with cyber attacks as the leading threat.
- Civil unrest also rose as a major geopolitical worry, especially in Europe and North America.
AI Seen As Biggest Technological Headwind
- CEOs listed AI-driven disruption as the top societal and technological headwind for 2026.
- They worry about deep fakes, displacement of workers, and operational disruption from AI.