Dear readers,
The results of our 7th Annual CxO Priorities Study, for which we surveyed over 1,000 CxOs worldwide, clearly show that competitiveness is being redefined - under different conditions, using different levers, and at “China speed.” Cost optimization and AI capabilities are the key success factors of the moment, as the study reveals.
In this issue, we show how companies are responding to these changes, how they are setting the right course with clear priorities and consistent decisions, and how they are effectively aligning technology, efficiency, and market demands. Eric Riegger, CFO of METRO AG, Markus Sontheimer, CIO and member of the Executive Committee at Brenntag SE, and Dr. Christina Klee, member of the Executive Board at Volksbank Thüringen Mitte, share insights into their plans for the future.
Further, Horváth partners Heiko Fink and Ralf Sauter, the minds behind the Priorities study, explain how cost pressure, a focus on growth markets, and speed are redefining the industry.
I hope you find this issue inspiring and that it provides valuable insights for your future decisions.
Helmut Ahr
CEO, Horváth
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- Handelsblatt article: „Raus aus Deutschland – bis zu 100.000 Jobs sind in Gefahr“ (German only)
- Video: Heiko Fink, head of the CxO Priorities study and a member of the executive board at Horváth, on the need to take an unflinching look at one’s own strategy
- Video: Dr. Ralf Sauter, head of the CxO Priorities study and partner at Horváth, on speed as the new decisive competitive advantage