2019 Global CEO Outlook: Agile or irrelevant - Redefining resilience

Warrick Cleine, chairman and CEO of KPMG Vietnam

This year, KPMG surveyed 1,300 CEOs in 11 of the world’s largest economies within the period from January 8 till February 20. Responses were collected from firm leaders in 11 key industries with company revenue varying from $500 million up to $10 billion or more. The report discusses how these companies are confronting long-held market orthodoxies and assumptions that govern decisionmaking and categorises these insights into four following applications.

Uncharted water

In an uncertain and volatile business environment, CEOs need to build a complete and nuanced picture of how risks are inter-connected and ensure the engagement in their response to manage highly complex risks. Early preparation of warning systems and disruption in company strategy and business models are also necessary.

Leading in uncertain times

By examining the capabilities of their leadership teams and addressing weaknesses, companies foster a disciplined approach that sacrifices nothing in terms of quality. CEOs must lead a fundamental transformation of their operating models, building an agile, customer-focused, and connected enterprise by combining advanced technologies with operating redesign.

Changing from within

CEOs must also drive an organisation-wide digital reinvention, building cyber resilience and masterminding a fundamental reboot of technology and an upskilling of the workforce. Furthermore, nurturing a deep understanding of potential cyber security risks should also be focused. To drive this ambitious remodeling of both systems and personnel, CEOs must give their learning and development teams the strategic backing and resources required.

The evolution of CEOs

Playing utmost role in driving a business to success, CEOs are facing the must to change faster within a shorter period of time. Beside conducting appropriate internal disruption, they need to forge stronger links with their customers, accepting the need to anticipate their requirements through insights gleaned from data-driven analysis.