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2025 marks a shift toward prioritizing national interests and renegotiating international agreements, creating both opportunities and challenges for the smooth flow of goods and services across borders. With President Trump’s renewed focus on tariffs and protectionist policies, particularly aimed at China, chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) are experiencing significant trade flow disruptions and increased business costs.
Despite anticipating such geopolitical shifts, only 15% of respondents felt moderately prepared for their impact, according to a survey from Egon Zehnder in collaboration with Executive Education at Imperial College Business School.
Key takeaways:
- 72% of CSCOs identified cost pressure as their biggest challenge, followed by evolving customer demands (46%) and driving operational efficiency (40%).
- CSCOs prioritize managing stakeholder expectations (38%), including board and shareholder relations (31%), and driving cultural change (29%). Although 26% of respondents consider anticipating and adapting to future trends a key strategic priority, only 12% are currently dedicating time to this area.
- Essential leadership qualities for CSCOs include building and leading high-performing teams (56%), formulating a clear vision and strategy (50%), and delivering superior performance (37%). To better manage future challenges, CSCOs seek support in enhancing their capabilities in anticipating future trends (41%), managing digital transformation (37%), and recruiting and developing top talent (24%).
- The primary motivation for 81% of respondents is driving transformation or turnaround initiatives, followed by tackling complex challenges (57%) and achieving career or personal growth (51%).
- AI/machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud services are the top technologies influencing CSCOs' businesses.
