CEOs in Greece appear optimistic about the trajectory of the Greek economy, the sectors in which they operate and their own businesses, according to the “CEO Business Barometer 2025” survey conducted by Deloitte. The survey seeks to explore the strategic priorities and views of business leaders regarding the business climate and the directions shaping the domestic market.
The survey was conducted with the participation of Greek CEOs from companies of all sizes, representing key sectors of the Greek economy, and was published in late September 2025. The main sections of the survey were economic outlook and strategic orientation, readiness in terms of artificial intelligence, and leadership – operating model. In this context, CEOs expressed their positions on issues such as geopolitical uncertainty, the role of Artificial Intelligence, human resource management, and the need for innovation and adaptability.
Main findings of the survey by thematic area
Economic outlook and strategic orientation
The survey highlights a clear shift toward a more stable and mature domestic economic environment, which appears to inspire confidence within the business community. 58 percent of CEOs are positive about the potential of the Greek economy. Specifically, 62 percent are optimistic about their sector’s growth prospects and 84 percent are optimistic about their own company’s performance. Sustained high growth rates, the recovery of investment-grade status and the continued absorption of Recovery Fund resources are factors that likely influenced the CEOs’ positive perspective.
At the same time, the importance of strategic flexibility is underscored in an international environment of heightened uncertainty, where geopolitical instability and the shortage of specialized skills represent major challenges for 68 percent and 45 percent of CEOs respectively.
Furthermore, innovation in products and services, attracting and retaining talent, and developing skills emerge as strategic priorities for CEOs, indicating recognition that investment in human capital and digital maturity will determine business resilience in the future. Notably, ESG integration and environmental issues no longer appear to constitute top strategic priorities.
Readiness regarding Artificial Intelligence
Greek CEOs show that they are responding to the volatility of their operating environment by investing in adaptability, technology and knowledge. A very high percentage, 88 percent, believe that Generative AI can increase productivity and reduce operating costs through automation and intelligent resource management, confirming that this technology can act as a catalyst for improving operational efficiency.
Greek companies state that they are already incorporating Gen AI applications into certain core functions, such as data analysis and process automation. CEOs estimate that in the coming years, wider use of these technologies will enable faster decision-making and enhanced creativity within their organizations. Notably, more than half of respondents, 56 percent, believe that Artificial Intelligence will facilitate employees’ transition to higher-value activities.
Leadership and operating model
Greek CEOs are placing increasing emphasis on managing key stakeholders, recognizing the importance of two-way communication and transparency. The majority of organizational leaders state that they are investing more in communication with employees, customers and the management team, with the aim of strengthening trust and strategic alignment within their organizations. Characteristically, 70 percent of CEOs cited enhancing interaction with employees as a priority, considering active communication a foundation for trust, cohesion and the achievement of business goals.
Regarding the challenges faced by CEOs, 1 in 3 considers the most important leadership issue to be the coherent implementation of strategy and the ability to engage all teams around a common vision, while 1 in 4 evaluates cultural change as a decisive factor for enabling corporate transformations. In addition, 1 in 5 considers attracting and retaining digital talent critical for the company’s survival and growth.
As noted by the CEO of Deloitte Greece, Dimitris Koutsopoulos: “The findings of the CEO Business Barometer 2025 show that Greek CEOs maintain high optimism about the trajectory of the economy, while at the same time recognizing the challenges created by the international environment. Geopolitical instability and the shortage of specialized skills remain critical issues that require decisive and coordinated action. At the same time, a strong desire for progress, investment and innovation emerges. At Deloitte, we support the process of helping businesses adapt to new challenges and opportunities, relying on technology, resilience and human talent. These elements are essential for the creation of a more resilient and outward-looking business model in Greece.”
To view the full survey, follow this link: CEO Business Barometer 2025
