CFO Research Results 2025

This research, conducted at our CFO Retreat, subtitled New Pathways to Growth, provides a fascinating insight into the challenges and priorities for CFOs this year.

Key findings from Criticaleye's CFO Research:

Improved business performance is the top priority for CFOs
59% of CFOs said Boardroom debate around strategy needs to improve
63% of CFOs are concerned about their organisation’s current capital structure
Pressure to provide returns to shareholders is the top reason execs become focused on short-term goals
71% expect to conduct M&A in the next 12 months
Shareholders and investors are exerting pressure on CFOs to deliver the growth story

In a recent Inspiring Leaders Podcast, we spoke to Helen Miles, Group CFO for FTSE100 company Severn Trent, one of Britain's largest water companies, about her route to the CFO role, key responsibilities and what it means to take on such a senior role at Severn Trent. Click here to listen to this podcast.

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