Talent remains a toppriority for CEOs, according to PwC’s 15th Annual Global CEO Survey. Some 53 percent of global CEOs and 46 percent of U.S. CEOs see the availability of key skills as a threat to their growth prospects. Indeed, 29 percent of CEOs said they were unable to pursue a market opportunity or have had to cancel or delay a strategic initiative because of talent in the last 12 months.
A majority of CEOs (68 percent global; 71 percent U.S.) wish they could spend more time focused on developing the leadership of their business and talent pipeline. This is particularly important as two-thirds of CEOs say it is more likely talent will come from promotions within their companies over the next three years. High-potential middle managers are the employees that more than half of U.S. CEOs (56 percent) fear losing the most.
To close the talent gap, CEOs are looking for longer-term strategic views. According to the survey, most CEOs (79 percent global; 74 percent U.S.) say that the chief human resources officer (CHRO), or equivalent, is one of their direct reports. Given that most CEOs have six to 10 direct reports, the report findings suggest that CEOs are integrating HR into strategic business planning and operations.
To download a copy of PwC’s 15th Annual Global CEO Survey, visit www.pwc.com/ceosurvey.
