External Factors Shaping the Plans of CMOs and CCOs in 2025
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C-Suite Outlook

External Factors Shaping the Plans of CMOs and CCOs in 2025

/ Quick Take

The economy and geopolitics continue to be key factors that both CEOs and the leaders of marketing and communications believe will have the greatest impact on their business in 2025. But chief marketing officers (CMOs) and chief communications officers (CCOs) are more attuned to inflation, AI, and technological advances than CEOs are.

Key Insights

Knowing how others are thinking of the year ahead helps you benchmark your own perspective and plot your course accordingly. Three general insights arise from the chart below.

The economy and geopolitics continue to be key factors that both CEOs and the leaders of marketing and communications believe will have the greatest impact on their business in 2025. But chief marketing officers (CMOs) and chief communications officers (CCOs) are more attuned to inflation, AI, and technological advances than CEOs are.

Key Insights

Knowing how others are thinking of the year ahead helps you benchmark your own perspective and plot your course accordingly. Three general insights arise from the chart below.

  • Economic uncertainty prevails. Concerns about inflation, the cost of goods and services, and changing consumer buying habits are greater for those partnering with CEOs to drive immediate growth—the marketers. Despite the green shoots of optimism about the US’ economic prospects in 2025, communicators and marketers remain cautious.
  • AI is a multifaceted contributor. Rapidly advancing AI technology is the top societal factor that CMOs and CCOs believe will impact the business. As we’ve learned in conversations with our Members, this is not just about the way the functions will employ tech, but also about the way their customers and their consumers will use AI in shaping the way business is conducted.
  • Sustainability remains a focus. Much has been discussed about the corporate focus on environmental, social & governance (ESG) issues. Many of our Members are continuing the work, sustaining their strategies but changing the language and the way they tell their stories.

The biggest factors affecting business, according to the CMO/CCO & CEO

Q: Select the top 2 external factors or issues that you think will have the greatest impact on your business in 2025. (% of CMOs, CCOs and CEOs selecting the top issues in each business area)

Note: 288 CMOs & CCOs and 507 CEOs responded  |  Source: The Conference Board® C-Suite Outlook 2025: Seizing the Future

The perspective of the C-Suite Outlook 2025 is indicative of global trends but might not provide a precise picture of what is happening in one mark

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