CEOs looking at economic growth in 2010

CEOs from major corporations across the globe expressed confidence about an economic rebound this year. In fact, 81 percent of the nearly 1,200 interviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers were optimistic.

“The fears of a global economic meltdown have receded and CEOs are more upbeat about their prospects,” said Chris Clark, CEO and senior partner of PwC.

The survey, conducted in 52 countries during the last quarter of 2009, indicates that 40 percent of the chief executives worldwide plan to hire additional staff in 2010. Half of those in Canada and Asia Pacific plan to increase headcounts and in Brazil it jumps to 60 percent.

The optimism in Canada is understandable given that the Canadian economy has outperformed other G8 countries. Clark notes: "Canadian CEOs are more optimistic than their peers in other developed nations, as many of them managed through the recession while keeping an eye to the investments needed to sustain their organizations over the longer term."

Evidently, the recession did not slow any "green" momentum as 61 percent of companies with climate change initiatives maintained existing strategies with 17 percent even raising investments. More than 60 percent of CEOs continue to prepare for the impact of climate change with ongoing initiatives they believe will improve their company's reputation.

The survey is available at www.pwc.com/ceosurvey