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CEO Survey 2026
A survey based on responses from senior executives in Denmark’s Top 200 companies.
Across respondents, a clear picture emerges: the ability to balance risk management with growth, while making decisions in an unpredictable market, is critical to success. Overall, the analysis points to a shift towards a more disciplined and strategic approach to growth, where resilience and adaptability are central to navigating uncertainty.
Executive insights
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Growth expectations are moderate, but marked by significant uncertainty
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AI is moving from experimentation to strategic integration
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Cyber resilience has become a business‑critical priority
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Workforce decisions reflect a more disciplined approach to costs
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Strategic adaptability stands out as the most important leadership capability
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The role of the board is evolving, with increased focus on value‑adding strategic counsel
Overall, this points to a leadership agenda where resilience, adaptability and technological transformation are closely linked priorities.
Cyber Resilience
56.1% of executives plan to increase their investment in cyber resilience, reflecting its growing relevance at a strategic level.
Artificial Intelligence
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AI is emerging as a core driver across organisations, moving from experimental initiatives to strategic integration.
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51.2% of executives describe AI as experimental, while a growing proportion already view it as a strategic or business‑critical part of the organisation.
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AI is seen as having particular potential to deliver sustained competitive advantage within operations, decision support and commercial functions. At the same time, leadership teams are calling for clearer governance and more disciplined prioritisation of investments.
Layoffs & Workforce Adjustments
An increasing share of CEOs anticipate workforce reductions in 2026, reflecting a more cautious, cost‑driven market environment.
Geopolitical Uncertainty
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Macroeconomic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions rank as the primary concerns for CEOs and are shaping the strategic agenda to a significant degree.
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Supply chains, investment decisions and market access are increasingly affected by external factors beyond companies’ control. As a result, CEOs are working more actively with scenario planning and risk mitigation, including considerations around nearshoring and the diversification of supplier chains.
People & Leadership
Strategic adaptability is highlighted as the most critical leadership capability, cited by 92.9% of respondents.
Board Collaboration
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Collaboration between executive management and the board is evolving. 62.5% of CEOs believe that the board could contribute even more to the company’s success, particularly through strategic counsel and industry insight.
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While a large proportion of CEOs believe the board has the right capabilities, many point to untapped potential in the collaboration. Especially under complex and rapidly changing market conditions.
CEO Survey 2026
Danish CEOs are navigating a business landscape marked by sustained uncertainty, accelerating technological change and increasing demands on executive judgement.
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We are ready to support your organisation in navigating leadership in uncertain times.