APAC CEOs Ready to Lead Climate Action and a Leadership Shift

A groundbreaking survey from Egon Zehnder reveals a bold new direction for Asia Pacific (APAC) CEOs, as they step up to lead climate action and embrace a transformative approach to leadership. The survey, The CEO Response, uncovers how APAC business leaders are prioritizing sustainability and personal development to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.

The global poll, which surveyed over 470 CEOs, including 13% from the APAC region, shows that 80% of global CEOs now see their responsibilities extending beyond running their companies. They are positioning themselves as key players in addressing critical societal issues, from climate change to AI regulation.

In APAC, CEOs stand out for their proactive stance on climate action and their commitment to self-transformation, surpassing their peers in Europe and North America. As global leaders brace for seismic shifts in the economy, geopolitics, energy, and technology over the next decade, 95% of CEOs expect major systemic changes. APAC CEOs are preparing for these challenges by balancing traditional business strategies with a deeper commitment to environmental and social issues.

While climate change tops the list of political concerns for APAC CEOs, it’s not just about managing crises. These leaders also see it as a major opportunity to build common ground between businesses, governments, and other stakeholders. In fact, climate change is ranked as the second biggest area for collaboration in the region, just behind AI regulation—a unique blend of innovation and sustainability driving future strategies in APAC.

According to the survey, APAC CEOs are also emphasizing adaptive leadership, with 82% stating the importance of including diverse and challenging views in decision-making—far higher than their counterparts in Europe (56%) and North America (62%). Meanwhile, 28% of APAC CEOs ranked personal transformation as “extremely important,” more than double the 14% in Europe and significantly higher than the 20% in North America.

“APAC CEOs are leading a significant shift in leadership approaches, focusing on self-awareness and inclusivity as core qualities,” said Wan May Ang, Partner and Singapore Office Leader at Egon Zehnder. “This marks a move away from the traditional, top-down leadership model toward a more adaptive and forward-thinking approach.”

Michael Ensser, Global Chair of Egon Zehnder, added, “We’re seeing CEOs embrace a new era of leadership where fostering curiosity and openness is crucial for overcoming the growing complexities of global business.”

The survey also revealed that APAC leaders are more confident about facing these challenges, with 24% rating their preparedness at 7 out of 10, compared to just 16% of European CEOs and 12% of North American CEOs. This confidence reflects their focus on issues like geopolitical instability, AI adoption, and talent development.

As APAC CEOs lead the charge on both climate action and leadership transformation, the question remains—will they be ready for the evolving challenges that lie ahead?

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