The biggest risks facing Greek CEOs

The survey, conducted through an online questionnaire in May 2026 with the participation of more than 70 chief executive officers from companies of different sizes and sectors, captures the key priorities, challenges, and strategic choices shaping the decisions of leaders in the Greek market.

The findings show that CEOs are more optimistic about the prospects of their own businesses than about the outlook for the economy and the sectors in which they operate. At the same time, they identify Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a key tool for improving efficiency and strengthening competitiveness.

Confidence in Business Performance

The largest divergence is observed between CEOs’ expectations for their own companies and their views on the wider economic environment.

A total of 84% of respondents express optimism regarding the financial and operational performance of their companies, while optimism falls to 54% when referring to the Greek economy and to 57% regarding the outlook for their respective industries.

This suggests that business leaders are placing greater reliance on their internal capabilities and resilience rather than expecting improvements in external conditions.

Geopolitical instability emerges as the greatest external threat, cited by 78% of CEOs, up from 68% in 2025. At the same time, inflation has returned strongly to the business agenda, with 51% identifying it as a significant challenge, compared with only 27% the previous year.

Energy security, driven by developments in the Middle East, ranks as the third most significant external challenge, cited by 36% of respondents.

In response to these challenges, companies are adopting more defensive measures. 36% report postponing investments, 31% are strengthening liquidity positions, while restructuring supply chains also represents a significant area of focus.

Cost Optimization and Artificial Intelligence Top Strategic Priorities

Cost and efficiency optimization is the leading strategic priority for 2026, cited by 62% of CEOs, compared with 53% in the previous year.

The integration of Artificial Intelligence ranks second, selected by 54% of CEOs, up from 37% in 2025. This shift highlights the rapid transition of AI from a technological tool into a core component of business strategy.

Notably, however, ESG considerations are entirely absent from the strategic priorities identified in the survey.

AI Moves from Efficiency Tool to Strategic Driver

The majority of CEOs now view Artificial Intelligence as a catalyst for business transformation.

85% believe that the most significant benefit of AI adoption is improved efficiency and cost reduction.

At the same time, recognition is growing that AI can generate value at a more strategic level. 65% of CEOs acknowledge its contribution to improved decision-making, while 54% believe it can enhance innovation and growth, as well as improve existing products and services.

Nevertheless, the survey identifies a significant gap in terms of organizational maturity. 37% of CEOs—more than one in three—state that they have not yet established specific metrics to measure AI’s impact on business performance.

Leadership’s Main Challenge: Effective Execution

In the area of leadership, the key priority for 2026 is aligning leadership teams and employees with business strategy, cited by 41% of respondents.

This is followed by the transformation of corporate culture, with 32%.

The findings indicate that the key challenge for businesses is no longer only selecting the right strategic direction, but primarily ensuring its effective execution across all levels of the organization.

Regarding stakeholder management, CEOs prioritize strengthening relationships with key customers (61%) and engagement with employees (58%), recognizing the critical role of human capital in successfully implementing business initiatives.

Deloitte Greece CEO Dimitris Koutsopoulos noted that Greek CEOs continue to maintain confidence in their companies’ capabilities despite rising uncertainty in the international environment. He emphasized that resilience alone is no longer sufficient, as the focus has shifted towards effective strategy execution through strong leadership, organizational alignment, investment in human capital, and meaningful use of Artificial Intelligence as a driver of productivity.

For his part, Vassilis Kafatos, Partner and Growth Leader at Deloitte Greece, described the findings of the CEO Business Barometer as a timely reflection of the business climate. He stressed that, in an uncertain environment, organizations’ ability to adapt, make faster decisions, and leverage innovation is a critical factor in creating value.