Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey: Summer 2024
Surveyed CEOs focus on controlling what can be controlled
The majority of CEOs who responded to the Summer 2024 Fortune/Deloitte CEO survey continue to see headwinds within their organizations and the broader economy. Yet there is a growing sense of confidence in their ability to navigate current disruptions and future challenges, showing characteristics of resilient leadership. With upcoming elections top of mind, geopolitics, inflation, and regulation dominate the list of disruptions facing leaders. This shows a significant increase in concerns about inflation since the Winter survey four months ago. That said, the majority of CEOs believe they can successfully manage these issues even as they look toward the uncertainties ahead.
CEOs are strategically using advanced technology to navigate complexity: nearly half are actively experimenting with or regularly incorporating Generative AI (GenAI) into their daily operations. Even more are using it in their organizations to drive growth and accelerate innovation, while overall GenAI implementation across multiple focus areas from task automation to risk management slightly plateaus. CEOs are also taking a pragmatic view of the US elections, focusing on risk management and scenario planning while encouraging their employees to participate in the political process. Read on for more highlights from the most recent Fortune/Deloitte CEO survey.
Key insights
Outlook and growth: 73% of CEOs are optimistic or very optimistic about their organizations’ performance, while many noted that strategic business issues, such as navigating uncertainty and managing growth, top their list of challenges heading into the fall.
Disruptors: For the third season in a row, geopolitical instability leads the list of disruptors for CEOs, at 60%, while inflation has increased as a worry for CEOs, from 27% in the Winter 2024 survey to 45% this survey.
Generative AI: CEOs continue to mine the potential benefits of GenAI, with nearly a quarter of CEOs using it regularly to support their own work. An increasing number of CEOs say they have implemented GenAI in their organizations to accelerate innovation and identify growth opportunities, while overall implementation is steady or cooling.
US elections: While most CEOs expect taxes, trade, and regulation to be most affected by the political cycle, they are focused on controlling what they can and preparing for any outcome. Their strategies include a range of internal measures such as risk management, supply chain diversification, and proactive communications to counter misinformation.
Jason Girzadas, CEO, Deloitte US
CEO concerns about geopolitics, inflation, and ideological polarization intensify in the face of continued uncertainty, prompting robust scenario planning. Leaders are not only strategizing to navigate these complexities but are also committed to supporting their peoples’ resilience. Additionally, it is encouraging to see the proactive adoption and personal exploration of Generative AI by CEOs to drive innovation and enhance their daily work.
Statistics that stand out
43%
of CEOs are confident in their organization’s ability to navigate inflation, a steep decline from 63% in the Summer 2023 survey
45%
of CEOs said inflation is their top concern, up from 27% in the Winter 2024 survey
51%
of CEOs are confident in their organization’s ability to weather geopolitical instability
43%
of CEOs have implemented Generative AI in their organizations to drive innovation
About the survey
Over 80 CEOs representing more than 15 industries participated in this Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey. 88% of respondents are from organizations based in the United States, and the remainder are from organizations based outside of the United States.
Fielded June 11-26, 2024, the survey consisted of 14 questions that explored market outlook, Generative AI, geopolitics, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Surveyed CEOs include Fortune 500 CEOs, Global 500 CEOs, and select public and private CEOs in the global Fortune community. This Summer 2024 survey is the 13th edition of the Fortune/Deloitte CEO survey series.
View previous editions
About the Chief Executive Program
Deloitte’s Chief Executive Program is dedicated to advising chief executives throughout their careers—from navigating critical points of inflection, to designing a strategic agenda, to leading through personal and organizational change. The Chief Executive Program offers innovative insight and immersive experiences to help:
- Facilitate the personal success of individual executives, new or tenured, throughout their life cycle
- Elevate the relationships between them, their leadership teams, and their boards
- Support the strategic agenda for their organizations in times of disruption and transformation
Learn more about Deloitte's Next Generation CEO Program.
