CEOs remain optimistic about the global economic outlook, according to a new report from PwC, the brand name for PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited (PwCIL), a multinational professional services network. The PwC 2025 Global CEO Survey found that many executives plan to increase their number of employees. They are also focused on continuing with AI rollout in 2025.

Nearly 60 percent of respondents said they expect global growth to increase over the next 12 months, while 42 percent said they would increase their company headcount during the same period. 

"This year's CEO Survey findings highlight a stark juxtaposition—business leaders around the world are optimistic about the year ahead, but also know they must reinvent how they create, deliver and capture value,” said Mohamed Kande, global chairman of PwC. “Emerging technologies such as GenAI, shifts in geopolitics and the climate transition, are all revolutionizing how the economy works. New business ecosystems are forming, transforming how companies compete and create value.” 

He continued, “To thrive, business leaders must act now and take bold decisions around their strategy—ranging from people, footprint and supply chain, right through to reinventing their business model." 

AI will continue to be a significant addition to many companies, with 56 percent of CEOs reporting efficiency gains already impacting their businesses. One-third of CEOs said they have seen increased profitability, and 32 percent have seen higher revenues. 

In fact, many companies are seeing AI and innovation as a must investment in order to continue doing business, with 42 percent of CEOs reporting they believe their company will not be variable beyond 10 years without reinvention. Nearly 40 percent reported they have begun competing in new sectors over the past five years to stay ahead. 

For many companies, however, this may not be fast enough. Approximately 50 percent of CEOs said they reallocate 10 percent or less of financial and human resources from year to year, while 75 percent said they reallocate less than 20 percent. According to the report, only 7 percent of revenue over the last five years has come from distinct new businesses.

Trust in AI is also a major stumbling point for a lot of businesses. The report found that 49 percent of CEOs are expecting an increase in generative AI usage over the next 12 months. Nearly half reported they plan to integrate AI into their technology platforms over the next 3 years, while 41 percent reported they planned to integrate it into their core business processes. Just 30 percent reported they have plans for new products and service development. 

"This year's survey shows a more mature view of generative AI in the enterprise. CEOs are convinced it has the power to unlock new opportunities—in fact, they are more optimistic than last year,” said Matt Wood, global and US commercial technology and innovation officer at PwC. “At the same time, they are more aware of the challenges they need to navigate to realize that value. They see the importance of building trust into the way their AI systems are designed, and for now, are prioritizing integration into core business processes. It is important that they also see the potential generative AI has to generate growth through new products and services and create value in new ways.”