Latest news with #EY-ParthenonIreland
Irish Examiner
23-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Irish CEOs shift investment strategy in response to trade uncertainty, says study
Nine out of 10 leaders in Irish companies have revised their investment strategies in response to tariff and trade fears and continues global uncertainty, according to research carried out by EY. The EY CEO Outlook Survey surveyed 1,200 executives globally and was undertaken in March and April in the immediate aftermath of the introduction of global tariffs by the US administration. It found that 57% of Irish business leaders now see geopolitical disruption as the number one threat to growth. This compared to 42% of international CEOs who said the same. Some 90% of business leaders surveyed in Ireland said they have revised investment strategies, including 73% who have delayed a planned investment and 8% who have stopped a planned investment entirely. 'The findings show just how quickly Irish businesses are adapting to a more fragmented global landscape. CEOs are not waiting around for an ideal moment or future resolution, they're taking the initiative now with the things they can control, making smart bets, and maintaining momentum," said Helena O'Dwyer, head of strategy at EY-Parthenon Ireland. The survey found that Irish CEOs are less inclined to pursue mergers and acquisitions (M&A) this year, with just 38% indicating plans to do so, well below the global average of 57%. Among the Irish companies that are pursuing M&A, almost half (47%) said they are prioritising deals that bring in new technology or intellectual property. Interestingly, Irish CEOs reported they are holding firm on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), despite challenges presented by the Trump admistration. According to the research, 83% say they are maintaining or strengthening their DE&I commitments, including embedding it into leadership accountability, workforce policy and business performance – compared to 75% of their global peers. 'What's clear from the data is the vast majority of CEOs aren't treating DE&I as a tick-box exercise or a reputational add-on. They see it as part of how they manage risk, meet compliance expectations and build stronger, more competitive organisations," Ms O'Dwyer said. Some 40% of survey respondents said that they are now prioritising developing in-house AI expertise and governance. A further 40% said they have increased AI spending.
RTÉ News
23-05-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
CEOs rethink strategy amid tariff uncertainty
Irish chief executive officers (CEOs) are making strategic shifts in their planning in response to rising geopolitical instability and escalating trade tensions, according to the latest EY CEO Outlook Survey. The study surveyed 1,200 executives globally, including 40 leading CEOs in Ireland. According to the survey, 90% of Irish respondents said that they have revised investment strategies, including 73% who have delayed a planned investment and 8% who have stopped a planned investment entirely. The research, which was undertaken in March and April including the immediate aftermath of the introduction of global tariffs by the US administration, found that 57% of Irish business leaders now see geopolitical disruption as the number one threat to growth, compared to 42% of international CEOs who said the same. Additionally, 80% of Irish respondents expressed worries about the financial impact of tariffs, slightly below the 85% of their global counterparts. "The findings show just how quickly Irish businesses are adapting to a more fragmented global landscape," said Helena O'Dwyer, Partner and Head of Strategy at EY-Parthenon Ireland. "CEOs are not waiting around for an ideal moment or future resolution, they're taking the initiative now with the things they can control, making smart bets, and maintaining momentum," Ms O'Dwyer said. At a time when some global companies are pulling back, Irish CEOs are holding firm on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). According to the research, 83% say they are maintaining or strengthening their DE&I commitments, including embedding it into leadership accountability, workforce policy and business performance - compared to 75% of their global peers. The study also shows that Irish CEOs are also taking calculated steps to futureproof their businesses through technology with some 40% of survey respondents said that they are now prioritising developing in-house AI expertise and governance.
