
Oliver Wyman Forum, the think tank of Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management consulting and a business of Marsh (NYSE:MRSH), today released findings from its third annual CEO Agenda survey. The joint report was

<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Oliver Wyman Forum, the think tank of Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management consulting and a business of Marsh (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MRSH">MRSH</a>), today released findings from its third annual <i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">CEO Agenda </i>survey. The joint report was completed in collaboration with the New York Stock Exchange.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Based on responses from 415 CEOs representing roughly 10% of global market capitalization, the study reveals that a complex workforce transformation is accelerating. AI adoption is reshaping talent strategies and fueling a surge in deal-making as companies adapt to a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
In a market shaped by nonstop volatility, CEOs are doubling down on acquisitions, with 94% of executives planning to pursue mergers and acquisitions in the next one to two years. Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported plans to leverage industry consolidation as another mechanism to build scale and competitive advantage.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
The study also finds that 43% of CEOs plan to deprioritize hiring for junior roles within the next year, marking a sharp increase from 17% last year, and 34% report that their workforce will shift toward more mid-level roles. However, among organizations leading in AI adoption, a different pattern is emerging: these leaders more often see AI technology as a force multiplier rather than a replacement, with 24% reporting plans to increase junior-level hires.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
"AI is not just automating tasks; it is elevating the value of entry-level talent," said John Romeo, CEO of the Oliver Wyman Forum. "The companies getting the highest returns from AI are harnessing it to empower their workforce, not shrink it."

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
At the same time, most respondents believe it is still too early to evaluate the return on AI investment, with the share rising to 53%, up from 41% last year. Only 27% of respondents say return on investment has met or exceeded expectations, down from 38% a year ago. Nearly a quarter of respondents report zero revenue impact so far. Executives are finding that deployment at scale requires a gradual, comprehensive redesign of work. However, organizations farther ahead in AI deployment are seeing much stronger returns: nearly three times as many report that investment in AI is meeting or exceeding expectations (49% versus 17%).

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
"CEOs are no longer waiting for stability before they act. They are converting disruption into a competitive advantage and seeking to buy the scale and capabilities that take too long to build," said Ana Kreacic, Partner and Chief Operating Officer of the Oliver Wyman Forum.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
The <i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">CEO Agenda 2026</i> is the largest annual survey of large-company chief executives by market capitalization and equity value, capturing the perspectives of 415 CEOs — 266 from public companies and 149 from private companies. The public companies accounted for in this year's survey represent roughly 10% of global market capitalization. Sixty-five CEOs of Fortune 500 companies participated, of which 6 are in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
The full report is available <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oliverwymanforum.com%2Fceo-agenda%2Fhow-ceos-navigate-geopolitics-trade-technology-people.html&amp;esheet=54482167&amp;newsitemid=20260407092232&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=here&amp;index=1&amp;md5=37f7053d5fe1f634fb890fc4a53e58c7" shape="rect">here</a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Oliver Wyman Forum</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Oliver Wyman is a business of <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fcorporate.marsh.com%2F&amp;esheet=54482167&amp;newsitemid=20260407092232&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Marsh&amp;index=2&amp;md5=1b76761c1764a2acad43fc32d2016bb9" shape="rect">Marsh</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MRSH">MRSH</a>), a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. The Oliver Wyman Forum is a community of senior leaders in business, government, and society dedicated to addressing the biggest forces shaping our future. Through forward-looking research and dialogue, we turn diverse perspectives into clearer thinking and bolder action — reshaping industries, navigating global change and complexity, and reimagining leadership. For more information, visit <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oliverwymanforum.com%2Findex.html&amp;esheet=54482167&amp;newsitemid=20260407092232&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=oliverwymanforum.com&amp;index=3&amp;md5=798ace80d23e7f75f14750faa72fded6" shape="rect">oliverwymanforum.com</a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About the New York Stock Exchange</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
The New York Stock Exchange is the world's largest stock exchange, with a combined market capitalization of more than $40 trillion and an unmatched community of leading companies. It is the premier global venue for capital raising and is part of Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ICE">ICE</a>), one of the world's leading providers of financial market technology and data powering global capital markets.. The NYSE Group includes five equity exchanges — the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE American, NYSE Arca, NYSE Texas and NYSE National — which trade more U.S. equity volume than any other exchange group. It also includes the equity options exchanges NYSE Arca Options and NYSE American Options. To learn more, visit <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyse.com%2Findex&amp;esheet=54482167&amp;newsitemid=20260407092232&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=nyse.com&amp;index=4&amp;md5=5ab427237c12539458152ff21c8af3c5" shape="rect">nyse.com</a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" alt="" src="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20260407092232r1&amp;sid=benz2&amp;distro=nx&amp;lang=en" style="width:0;height:0"></img><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwct31415"></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-phrase">View source version on businesswire.com: </span><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-link"><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407092232/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407092232/en/</a></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Media contact: 
</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>Danielle Arceneaux
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>+1 929 215 8732
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:Danielle.Arceneaux@oliverwyman.com" shape="rect">Danielle.Arceneaux@oliverwyman.com</a>

</p>

CEOs Convert Disruption Into Competitive Advantage, Oliver Wyman Forum and New York Stock Exchange Survey Finds

CEO Survey Indicates Surge in M&A Intent Amid AI Adoption

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>Oliver Wyman Forum, the think tank of Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management consulting and a business of Marsh (NYSE:MRSH), today released findings from its third annual CEO Agenda survey. The joint report was</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>The latest CEO Agenda survey reveals that 94% of CEOs plan to pursue M&amp;A within the next two years, driven by a complex workforce transformation influenced by AI adoption. This trend suggests a heightened activity in the mergers and acquisitions space, reflecting a strategic shift in corporate growth plans that could boost trading volumes on exchanges like ICE.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>94% of CEOs plan to pursue M&amp;A in 1-2 years.</li><li>43% aim to cut junior role hiring drastically.</li><li>AI adoption driving workforce transformation and deal-making.</li><li>Many CEOs still view ROI on AI uncertain.</li><li>CEOs leverage disruption to gain competitive advantages.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Marsh (MRSH)</strong>: Parent company of Oliver Wyman, influencing management consulting strategies.</li><li><strong>New York Stock Exchange (ICE)</strong>: Major exchange under ICE, poised to benefit from increased trading activity.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Industry News</h3>
    <p>This fits under Industry News, as it reflects broad trends in executive strategic planning and economic responses that affect market dynamics, particularly impacting trading exchanges like ICE.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Surge in M&amp;A activity may lead to increased trading volumes on ICE.</li><li>Sector consolidation plans indicate potential for new products on exchanges.</li><li>Continued AI adoption may shift trading strategies and technology demands.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>415 CEOs surveyed represent about 10% of global market cap.</li><li>M&amp;A activity is planned by 94% of executives surveyed.</li><li>43% of CEOs will cut back on junior role hiring this year.</li><li>53% of CEOs see AI ROI evaluation as premature.</li><li>Only 27% report AI investments meeting expectations.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>ICE could benefit from an increase in M&amp;A activity driving higher trading volumes over the next 1-2 years.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Oliver Wyman Forum, the think tank of Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management consulting and a business of Marsh (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MRSH">MRSH</a>), today released findings from its third annual <i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">CEO Agenda </i>survey. The joint report was completed in collaboration with the New York Stock Exchange.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Based on responses from 415 CEOs representing roughly 10% of global market capitalization, the study reveals that a complex workforce transformation is accelerating. AI adoption is reshaping talent strategies and fueling a surge in deal-making as companies adapt to a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
In a market shaped by nonstop volatility, CEOs are doubling down on acquisitions, with 94% of executives planning to pursue mergers and acquisitions in the next one to two years. Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported plans to leverage industry consolidation as another mechanism to build scale and competitive advantage.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
The study also finds that 43% of CEOs plan to deprioritize hiring for junior roles within the next year, marking a sharp increase from 17% last year, and 34% report that their workforce will shift toward more mid-level roles. However, among organizations leading in AI adoption, a different pattern is emerging: these leaders more often see AI technology as a force multiplier rather than a replacement, with 24% reporting plans to increase junior-level hires.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
"AI is not just automating tasks; it is elevating the value of entry-level talent," said John Romeo, CEO of the Oliver Wyman Forum. "The companies getting the highest returns from AI are harnessing it to empower their workforce, not shrink it."

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
At the same time, most respondents believe it is still too early to evaluate the return on AI investment, with the share rising to 53%, up from 41% last year. Only 27% of respondents say return on investment has met or exceeded expectations, down from 38% a year ago. Nearly a quarter of respondents report zero revenue impact so far. Executives are finding that deployment at scale requires a gradual, comprehensive redesign of work. However, organizations farther ahead in AI deployment are seeing much stronger returns: nearly three times as many report that investment in AI is meeting or exceeding expectations (49% versus 17%).

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
"CEOs are no longer waiting for stability before they act. They are converting disruption into a competitive advantage and seeking to buy the scale and capabilities that take too long to build," said Ana Kreacic, Partner and Chief Operating Officer of the Oliver Wyman Forum.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
The <i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">CEO Agenda 2026</i> is the largest annual survey of large-company chief executives by market capitalization and equity value, capturing the perspectives of 415 CEOs — 266 from public companies and 149 from private companies. The public companies accounted for in this year's survey represent roughly 10% of global market capitalization. Sixty-five CEOs of Fortune 500 companies participated, of which 6 are in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
The full report is available <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oliverwymanforum.com%2Fceo-agenda%2Fhow-ceos-navigate-geopolitics-trade-technology-people.html&amp;esheet=54482167&amp;newsitemid=20260407092232&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=here&amp;index=1&amp;md5=37f7053d5fe1f634fb890fc4a53e58c7" shape="rect">here</a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Oliver Wyman Forum</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Oliver Wyman is a business of <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fcorporate.marsh.com%2F&amp;esheet=54482167&amp;newsitemid=20260407092232&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Marsh&amp;index=2&amp;md5=1b76761c1764a2acad43fc32d2016bb9" shape="rect">Marsh</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MRSH">MRSH</a>), a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. The Oliver Wyman Forum is a community of senior leaders in business, government, and society dedicated to addressing the biggest forces shaping our future. Through forward-looking research and dialogue, we turn diverse perspectives into clearer thinking and bolder action — reshaping industries, navigating global change and complexity, and reimagining leadership. For more information, visit <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oliverwymanforum.com%2Findex.html&amp;esheet=54482167&amp;newsitemid=20260407092232&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=oliverwymanforum.com&amp;index=3&amp;md5=798ace80d23e7f75f14750faa72fded6" shape="rect">oliverwymanforum.com</a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About the New York Stock Exchange</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
The New York Stock Exchange is the world's largest stock exchange, with a combined market capitalization of more than $40 trillion and an unmatched community of leading companies. It is the premier global venue for capital raising and is part of Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ICE">ICE</a>), one of the world's leading providers of financial market technology and data powering global capital markets.. The NYSE Group includes five equity exchanges — the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE American, NYSE Arca, NYSE Texas and NYSE National — which trade more U.S. equity volume than any other exchange group. It also includes the equity options exchanges NYSE Arca Options and NYSE American Options. To learn more, visit <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyse.com%2Findex&amp;esheet=54482167&amp;newsitemid=20260407092232&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=nyse.com&amp;index=4&amp;md5=5ab427237c12539458152ff21c8af3c5" shape="rect">nyse.com</a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" alt="" src="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20260407092232r1&amp;sid=benz2&amp;distro=nx&amp;lang=en" style="width:0;height:0"></img><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwct31415"></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-phrase">View source version on businesswire.com: </span><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-link"><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407092232/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260407092232/en/</a></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Media contact: 
</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>Danielle Arceneaux
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>+1 929 215 8732
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:Danielle.Arceneaux@oliverwyman.com" shape="rect">Danielle.Arceneaux@oliverwyman.com</a>

</p>

The latest CEO Agenda survey reveals that 94% of CEOs plan to pursue M&A within the next two years, driven by a complex workforce transformation influenced by AI adoption. This trend suggests a heightened activity in the mergers and acquisitions space, reflecting a strategic shift in corporate growth plans that could boost trading volumes on exchanges like ICE.

CEOs Convert Disruption Into Competitive Advantage, Oliver Wyman Forum and New York Stock Exchange Survey Finds

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Industry News

Related News