IESF is pleased to announce the launch of the second edition of our Global CEO Study, aimed at capturing the key themes and strategic focus points shaping leadership in 2026. After the strong international response to last year’s inaugural edition, we are once again gathering insights directly from CEOs around the world.
This year, our study centers on one essential question that we ask every CEO and Managing Director:
“Looking ahead to 2026, what are the three most important focus points for you as a CEO/MD?”
In a rapidly changing global environment—marked by technological acceleration, shifting economic dynamics, geopolitical uncertainty, sustainability pressures, and evolving talent demands—understanding where leaders place their focus offers highly valuable strategic direction. These insights help organizations anticipate future challenges and align leadership strategies with the realities of tomorrow.
To ensure a strong global representation, IESF partners worldwide are reaching out to their networks of CEOs to participate in this study. Their contributions will provide a clear and comparative view of the top focus points shaping executive agendas across different regions and industries.
As a global executive search network, IESF sees every day how these focus points translate into leadership needs and organizational priorities. The results of the study will therefore not only reveal how CEOs are preparing for 2026, but also offer practical value for boards, HR leaders, and senior executives refining their future strategies.
The full report will be published by IESF in early February.
If you would like to be contacted to participate in this study, please send an email to [email protected].
If you are interested in receiving the final report upon publication, you can leave your details at the same address.
We look forward to sharing the findings of this second edition and contributing to a deeper understanding of what will define successful leadership in 2026.