Dear readers,

what are the expectations of CxOs for corporate development in 2025 – and what are the industry and country differences? Where are the greatest growth potentials and levers seen? What strategic topics is top management focusing on to realize growth or increase profitability? And when are AI investments expected to pay off? Answers to these central questions are provided by our 5th annual CxO Priorities Study, for which we conducted in-depth personal interviews with more than 770 CxOs worldwide – and whose key findings we present in this issue. 

In addition, Ralf Sauter and Heiko Fink provide tangible management recommendations for succeeding in dynamic global markets as well as growth strategies for economically challenging times. I particularly recommend reading our interviews with high-caliber executives on their top management agenda: Dr. Martin Prochaska, Board Member HR & Legal at STIHL, Sabine Schoon-Renné, Divisional Board Member at Commerzbank, and Dr. Ruedi Kubat, CEO at Allianz Suisse. 

I wish you an enlightening read. 

Helmut Ahr
CEO Horváth