As 2025 unfolds, Irish CEOs stand at a complex intersection of optimism and caution. Geopolitical tensions weigh heavily, with 88% of Irish CEOs expressing heightened concerns—up from previous years. Macroeconomic volatility continues to loom large, with 93% feeling vulnerable. Meanwhile, the pace of technological disruption, especially through AI, leaves 87% wary yet intrigued.
However, optimism persists. 74% of Irish CEOs foresee improved economic growth in the next 12 months, significantly higher than the previous year’s sentiment. Moreover, an impressive 93% remain confident in their companies’ revenue growth prospects.
Beyond Statistics: Reinventing Your Business
Irish CEOs recognise an urgent need for reinvention—29% believe their current business models may not survive the decade without transformative changes. While this number is lower than the global average of 42%, the urgency remains critical.
Irish leaders are proactively reshaping their companies, prioritising product and service innovation (89%), targeting new customer groups (89%), and engaging in collaborative ecosystems (85%). Amy Ball, Transformation Leader at PwC, emphasises that effective transformation isn’t merely about deciding to change but knowing precisely how to implement these changes:
“With nearly one-third of Irish CEOs recognising that their companies won’t survive without reinvention, the question isn’t whether to transform—it’s how to do it effectively.”
Dynamic resource allocation is key to successful reinvention. Companies that shift resources strategically see higher profitability, yet about half of Irish CEOs currently reallocate only 10% or less of their resources annually. This highlights a significant opportunity to enhance agility and responsiveness to market shifts.
AI Integration: Maximising the Opportunity
Just two years since GenAI entered mainstream conversations, half of Irish CEOs expect it to significantly boost profitability. However, many have found AI’s short-term gains limited to operational efficiencies rather than revenue generation. According to David Lee, PwC’s Chief Technology Officer, businesses must go beyond incremental improvements
“Realising AI’s potential hinges on employees knowing how to use AI tools effectively and understanding potential pitfalls.”
Currently, only one-third of Irish CEOs plan to extensively integrate AI into their workforce strategies. This cautious approach could limit potential benefits, as businesses that align their workforce closely with AI capabilities typically achieve greater innovation and efficiency.
Building Trust and Compliance
As AI becomes increasingly embedded, building trust internally and externally will be essential. Compliance with frameworks such as the EU AI Act provides a robust foundation for responsible AI use, creating confidence among stakeholders.
“Building trust in AI is vital to unlock its full potential,” notes David Lee. “By focusing on Responsible AI, CEOs can bridge the trust gap and ensure their companies are well-positioned for future success.”
Sustainability as Strategic Growth
Sustainability and addressing social inequality are becoming prominent strategic imperatives. With 76% of Irish CEOs concerned about climate change and 62% increasingly prioritising social inequality, sustainability isn’t merely corporate responsibility—it’s a significant growth opportunity. Companies actively reinventing for sustainability not only align with regulatory expectations but also attract consumer loyalty and open new market opportunities.
As an Irish CEO in 2025, navigating these challenges requires strategic foresight, agility, and bold decision-making. The key lies in balancing immediate operational efficiency gains through AI with deeper, long-term transformations in business models and sustainability initiatives.
The PwC report offers not just a snapshot of today’s challenges but also signposts opportunities that forward-thinking leaders can leverage. It’s time to embrace these insights proactively—beyond the statistics—and steer your business towards sustained innovation and robust growth.
Discover how CEOs are reinventing for a sustainable future: Explore more from the PwC Irish CEO Survey 2025.