INSIGHT 1
CEOs are spending more and more time focused on supply chains
A striking 96% of CEOs are set to spend the same (41%) or more (55%) time on supply chain-related topics this year; it’s clear that supply chain is cemented in the C-suite agenda for the foreseeable future.
As inflation fell throughout last year, there were glimmers of markets stabilizing. The reality, though, has been that global market dynamics are shifting. With no clear-set position for them to land in, CEOs must continue to navigate their organizations through an ever-changing landscape. Just 4% of CEOs foresee the amount of time spent on supply chain-related topics decreasing in the year ahead.
The majority of the 55% of CEOs spending more time anticipate an increase of up to 20%, equating to as much as one day a week more. Figures were highest among CEOs within Private Equity (47%), Media and Entertainment (45%), and Leisure and Hospitality (43%).
CEOs planning to spend over 10% of their time on supply chain-related topics are greatest within Communications and Hi-Tech (76%), Health and Pharmaceuticals (72%), and Construction (70%), reflecting the complexities involved in emerging high-value supply chains.
Contributing pressures might include navigating cost increases, labor and raw materials shortages, emerging regulations, business transformation initiatives (such as rightshoring), and keeping up with innovation. These figures contrast with 66% of all CEOs spending over 10% of their time on these issues, while the majority (35%) spend 11-20% of their time on these issues.
From a regional perspective, the amount of time spent is relatively consistent. The exception is the variance between the UK and DACH, where a respective 74% and 56% of CEOs spend over 10% of their time. This potentially reflects the ongoing navigation of post-Brexit agreements, particularly in industries such as Manufacturing and Pharmaceuticals.
