Future CEO 2027: What Will Define the Next Generation of Leaders?

Recently, a Forbes article exploring CHANEL CEO Leena Nair’s leadership journey referenced one of our standout findings: only 3% of CEOs surveyed had progressed from an HR background. It highlights an important question for organisations today: are we broadening our view of what future CEO talent looks like, or are leadership pathways still too narrow?

This year’s research will explore several key themes affecting the future of executive leadership, including:

• Succession Planning: Are organisations genuinely developing their next generation of leaders?
• AI and ROI: Are businesses beginning to see measurable returns on AI investment?
• The Global Context: How do Scottish leaders’ perspectives compare with international CEO research?
• The Evolving Executive Team: Are new leadership roles emerging as organisations adapt to AI and workforce transformation?

Over the years, the Future CEO Survey has become a valuable benchmark for understanding how leadership is changing across Scotland. By gathering perspectives from leaders across sectors and functions, we aim to uncover the skills, experiences and priorities that will shape tomorrow’s CEOs.

You can read the article here. If you’re a CEO or senior leader and would like to contribute to the 2027 survey or receive early access to the findings, we’d love to hear from you at [email protected]. If you would prefer to have a conversation to share your thoughts on some of these themes, please contact Ali Shaw – [email protected]

We’re excited to discover what this year’s research reveals about the future of leadership and the individuals who will define it.