Observed Signal · Oct 25, 2026 · Survey Release · Source: Retail-News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
KPMG CEO Outlook 2026: German CEOs More Optimistic
According to KPMG's CEO Outlook 2026, 86% of German CEOs expect positive business development over the next three years, up from 72% last year. Over two-thirds anticipate growth of at least 2.5% for their own company. AI investments are a top priority for 77% of CEOs, with 94% expecting returns within three years. However, 43% anticipate AI-related job cuts. M&A activity is also a focus, with 90% considering acquisitions. Key risks include regulatory requirements (30%) and geopolitical instability (29%). The survey included 1,400 CEOs globally, with 125 from Germany, and was conducted between August and September 2026.
The KPMG CEO Outlook provides insights into German business sentiment, including AI investment plans and M&A intentions, which are relevant for AdTech and MarTech strategies, but it is a general economic survey rather than a specific industry event.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- 86% of German CEOs expect positive business growth over the next three years, up from 72% last year.
- 77% of German CEOs rank AI as a top investment priority, up from 68% the previous year.
- 94% of German CEOs expect a return on AI investments within three years.
- 43% of German CEOs anticipate AI-related job reductions.
- 90% of German CEOs consider acquisitions within the next three years.
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EY Survey: Half of German CEOs See AI Skills Gap
According to the EY-Parthenon CEO Outlook Survey, 53% of German CEOs fear their companies are not developing AI skills fast enough, the highest level of agreement (21%) among surveyed countries. Globally, 44% of CEOs cite economic uncertainty as a top concern, followed by cyber risks (40%) and technological change including AI (34%). German CEOs prioritize process optimization (62%) over AI applications (48%) for productivity. 24% of German companies cannot reliably assess AI costs and ROI, while only 18% have real-time cost visibility. On average, German companies spend 0.9% of revenue on AI, with 88% expecting increased spending on generative AI over the next three years. EY recommends linking financial responsibility for AI more closely to its economic benefits.
PwC Survey: CEOs Stay Optimistic Despite Crises
A PwC mid-year survey of 351 CEOs across 59 countries finds that many executives remain optimistic about growth despite geopolitical tensions, rising energy costs, and economic uncertainty. About 42% of respondents are very or extremely confident their companies will grow in the next 12 months, and one-third are more optimistic than eight months earlier. The survey highlights technological resilience and AI as key competitive advantages: almost four in ten CEOs use AI to explore new opportunities, and 39% report positive business outcomes from AI. Energ y costs have emerged as the biggest cost pressure, with 19% reporting increases above 10%. The study was fielded between May and June 2026 and complements PwC’s annual Global CEO Survey.
German Restructuring Cases Rise Amid Stagnation, AI Not Yet Established
A new study by Roland Berger reveals rising restructuring activity in Germany. 83% of surveyed experts report increasing case numbers, driven by economic stagnation and high costs. 65% expect continued stagnation in the next twelve months. Key risks include bureaucracy (65%), energy prices (53%), geopolitical tensions (51%), and technological change (51%). German companies are seen as poorly prepared for another downturn, with only 8% considered well-prepared. Restructurings are becoming longer and more complex, with 61% reporting longer durations and 56% seeing more complex financing structures. The automotive industry faces the most pressure (87%). While AI is seen as a potential accelerator (89% see potential in data analysis), its adoption is still in early stages, with 45% using pilots and no expert seeing it fully established. AI is not expected to replace human leadership in restructurings.
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