KPMG – Global industrial manufacturing CEO Outlook, 2024

Industrial manufacturing CEOs globally are feeling optimistic about the economy, with confidence up 5 percentage points from last year. Despite this, most CEOs do not expect their company's growth to surpass 2.5 percent over the next three years. Valuations for robust industrial manufacturing companies remain high, presenting a challenge for CEOs to create shareholder value. This will require embracing fundamental changes and pursuing transformational initiatives. CEOs are increasingly focusing on digitization and ESG initiatives as top priorities for achieving growth objectives. Investment in Industry 4.0 technologies such as generative AI is a key focus for CEOs to redesign processes, enhance client experiences, and improve efficiency. ESG considerations are also high on CEOs' agendas, with organizations recognizing the importance of ESG in attracting top talent and improving access to capital. CEOs are willing to divest assets that do not align with ESG principles to enhance their organization's image in this area.