BUSINESS EXPANSION, CORPORATE M&A, ETHICAL AI GOVERNANCE AND ADDRESSING THE TALENT SHORTAGE DOMINATE C-SUITE PRIORITIES

LONDON, [11 April 2025] - In a volatile economic landscape, polarising political climate, and mounting environmental concerns, C-Suite leaders are not waiting for stability-they aim to create it. The latest Winmark and CIPD C-Suite Priorities Report highlights how organisations are embracing calculated risks, AI governance, tariff changes, M&A, sustainability, and strategic talent investment to drive resilience and long-term growth.
The report, which draws insights from over 220 senior executives, demonstrates that:
• 93% are prioritising the creation and implementation of an AI governance programme that balances risk and growth, with 85% believing that AI can be used to foster organisational transformation. 73% are considering the ethical implications of using advanced technology, emphasising how AI can enhance the work people do, driving positive business outcomes as well as better jobs.
• Corporate-driven M&A deals rose to 71% last year, up from 61% two years earlier, signalling a resurgence in strategic acquisitions. However, valuation disconnects, regulatory scrutiny, and cultural misalignments pose significant risks to deal success.
• Corporations are leading the way in Cleantech to address customer demand and supply chain risk, investing trillions in renewables, circular economies, and low-carbon technologies over the last 5 years.
• Certain geographies and industries face severe talent shortages. Chief HR Officers have a responsibility to obtain buy-in from CEOs to facilitate an effective talent acquisition strategy, expanding sourcing efforts, and maintaining the retention and development of the current workforce.

"This is not business-as-usual, but a year that demands bold, decisive action," says Catherine Qi, Head of Research at Winmark. "Our report demonstrates how organisations can adopt frameworks and processes that addresses all these topical considerations."
The report provides unique insights into critical areas including strategic market expansion, comprehensively implementing an AI governance framework, attracting top talent in a competitive market and elevating future workforce resilience.
Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, contributed a foreword emphasising the report's significance in addressing complex business challenges, "In this fast changing and more uncertain context people and organisational strategies are central to business resilience. Leaders will need to plan ahead for the skills and capabilities needed, developing adaptive operating models and inclusive cultures, and embracing the possibilities of AI and technology responsibly. "

Availability:
The full C-Suite Priorities report is available. Please get in touch if you would like to learn more about the research or Winmark.

Winmark Ltd, 7 Berghem Mews, Blythe Road, London W14 0HN

About Winmark:
Winmark is building a global C-Suite community that helps make the World a better place and creates huge value for everyone involved. Our purpose is to 'Inspire the Global C-Suite to Create Value for All'. Key facts about Winmark include:
• Established 1997, has 2,000+ members
• 16 C-Suite networks across 20 countries
• 150+ events & 300+ interventions per year
Winmark's research and consulting capabilities offer bespoke services covering benchmarking, M&A, thought leadership, and go-to-market. We provide tailored methodologies to meet the unique needs of each client.
Winmark: https://winmarkglobal.com/aboutus/
Winmark Research: https://winmarkglobal.com/research/

About the CIPD:
The CIPD has been championing better work and working lives for over 100 years. It helps organisations thrive by focusing on their people, supporting our economies and societies. It's the professional body for HR, L&D, OD and all people professionals - experts in people, work and change. With more than 160,000 members globally - and a growing community using its research, insights and learning - it gives trusted advice and offers independent thought leadership. It's a leading voice in the call for good work that creates value for everyone. www.cipd.org

This release was published on openPR.