Vistage Vietnam was founded by Quang Minh Ho, and Stephanie Ho has been named CEO.  Quang Minh Ho has spent his career empowering entrepreneurs. As founder of BCA Group and National Director of BNI Vietnam, he helped SME owners to increase their business opportunities through relationships. He also owns ActionCoach SEA and CorporateConnections Vietnam.  He previously spent nearly 20 years focused on global logistics as CEO of BEE Logistics Corporation and General Manager of Vinatrans.

Stephanie Ho has served as Vice President of Business Development at Transworld Business Advisors Vietnam as well as CEO of BCA Group. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Henry W. Bloch School of Management. She worked with renowned global brands, including ActionCOACH, BNI, CorporateConnections, and Transworld Business Advisors under the BCA Group umbrella. Her contributions during this time laid the foundation for her certification as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE), a credential she continues to leverage in fostering business success and innovation.

Vistage Vietnam founder Quang Minh Ho said, “I have dedicated my career to helping leaders of small and midsize businesses. When I learned about Vistage’s approach to developing better leaders who make better decisions and create better outcomes through peer advisory groups, I knew it would be welcomed by leaders within the Vietnam business community. Under Stephanie’s leadership, I see tremendous opportunity to grow awareness for the effectiveness of Vistage’s model for how leaders can learn from their peers and ultimately fuel their business growth.”

Rob Ristagno, Vistage’s President of International Operations said, “With Vistage now in more than 35 countries across the world, we are thrilled to continue to strengthen our presence in the Asia Pacific region, where we see tremendous opportunity for helping leaders to grow their businesses and fuel their local economies. Quang’s dedication to helping entrepreneurs and coaches succeed perfectly aligns with Vistage’s purpose of helping high-integrity leaders make great decisions that help their families, business, and communities. We know Quang and Stephanie will empower CEOs across Vietnam to improve their effectiveness and enhance their lives.” 
If you are interested in becoming a Vistage Chair or member in Vietnam, please visit https://vistage.vn/. 

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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Vistage Survey Reveals that 55% of CEOs Anticipate Economic Improvement in the Year Ahead; Majority Cite New Administration as Key Driver of Optimism

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Small and midsize business (SMB) CEO confidence surged to 100.8 in Q4 2024, a 15.7-point quarter-over-quarter increase and the highest score recorded since Q2 2021, per the latest CEO Confidence Index released by CEO coaching and peer advisory organization Vistage. This sharp increase reflects growing optimism for future revenue and profits, with CEOs’ plans for investments and hiring now exceeding both pre-pandemic levels and decade-long averages.

Growing levels of confidence are driven in part by the more than half (55%) of CEOs who believe the economy will improve over the next year, a substantial increase from 32% in Q3 2024 and 21% in Q4 2023. This optimism is largely fueled by the upcoming change in U.S. leadership: Of those who expect improvements, the majority cite the new administration as the reason for their positive outlook.

“We ended 2024 with a significant boost to CEO confidence, an indicator of the long-awaited growth cycle forecasted to begin in 2025,” said Joe Galvin, Vistage’s chief research officer. “Economic conditions are largely shaped by factors such as administration policies, trade regulations, inflation, and consumer confidence. More than half of CEOs expect the economy to improve in the coming year, with many optimistic about the new administration and the potential for pro-business policies, reduced regulations, lower inflation, and reduced borrowing costs to drive investment and fuel growth.”

Vistage has measured SMB CEOs’ sentiment on various economic and business factors every quarter since 2003. Analysis using ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology has revealed the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index nine months in advance.

Lauren Saidel-Baker, CFA and economist at ITR Economics noted, “The lift in the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is encouraging as it aligns with ITR Economics’ forecasts for growth in 2025. With interest rate cuts totaling 100 basis points, borrowing costs are lower,” Saidel-Baker said. “This is advantageous in two ways: Lower rates will stimulate the economy and make productivity investments more cost effective for small and midsize businesses. While interest rates are still higher than previous lows, there is a window of opportunity to invest, especially with anticipated higher demand in 2025.”

Q4 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index highlights include:

CEOs are preparing for the impact of policy shifts under the new presidential administration.

• When asked how potential changes to the following policies would impact their business under the new administration:
  • Tax
    • 65% anticipate tax policy changes will positively impact their business.
  • Regulatory Compliance
    • More than half (52%) anticipate regulatory compliance changes will positively impact their organizations (vs. just 13% that expect negative impacts).
  • Labor and Employment Laws
    • 44% expect new labor and employment laws to positively impact their organizations (vs. 20% expecting negative impacts).
  • Environmental and Sustainability
    • 32% expect environmental and sustainability policies to positively impact their organization, with 17% citing a negative impact.
  • Healthcare
    • 30% expect healthcare policy changes to impact their organizations positively and 21% anticipate negative impacts.
  • Tariffs and Trade
    • Despite optimism, 60% anticipate tariffs and trade policy changes will negatively impact their business.
  • Immigration
    • 29% anticipate that immigration policy changes will negatively impact their organization.

CEOs are increasing hiring plans.

• 65% of SMB CEOs expect their organizations’ total number of employees to increase in the year ahead.
  • 30% of CEOs anticipate their total number of employees to remain the same.
  • Only 5% of CEOs plan to decrease their employee headcount in 2025.

SMBs are embracing Artificial Intelligence.

• When asked how they feel about Open and Generative AI such as ChatGPT, 77% of SMB CEOs note they feel the technology presents a “tremendous” opportunity for their business.
  • Just 11% report they struggle to understand how AI works, while 2% see it as a risk.

• 38% are currently testing AI for select functions, while 22% say their business is already using AI as part of their daily operations.
• 45% of CEOs plan to increase their technology budget in the next year to accommodate adding AI technologies and applications.

Small and midsize businesses experience fewer cyber incidents as a result of cyber risk planning.

• Only 5% of SMB CEOs say a cybersecurity incident resulted in lost or compromised data in 2024; 20% experienced an attack that didn’t result in any lost or compromised data.
• 58% of CEOs noted that they have a current cyber risk strategy that is documented and communicated to executive leaders and is reviewed annually. 9% report they are actively working on a strategy. 16% report that their company does not have a defined cyber risk strategy.

See the full results of the Q4 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index at vistage.com/ceoindex.

About the Vistage CEO Confidence Index
Established in 2003, the Vistage CEO Confidence Index surveys small and midsize business CEOs, presidents, and business owners about the U.S. economy every quarter. The Q4 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index includes responses from 1,438 U.S. CEOs surveyed between December 2 and 16, 2024. Using ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology, analysis has revealed that the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index 9 months in advance.

The Vistage CEO Confidence Index is recognized as the definitive voice of high-performing, high-integrity small and midsize business leaders. As a trusted resource, the Index provides world-class insights to inform decision-making for CEOs and other key leaders of small and midsize businesses.
For more Vistage CEO Confidence Index results, visit vistage.com/ceoindex

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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SAN DIEGO, Oct. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Small and midsize business (SMB) CEO confidence increased in Q3 with the Vistage CEO Confidence Index rising to 85.1. Responses were captured in a survey conducted by CEO coaching and peer advisory organization .

About the Vistage CEO Confidence Index
Established in 2003, the Vistage CEO Confidence Index surveys small and midsize business CEOs, presidents, and business owners about the U.S. economy every quarter. The Q3 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index includes responses from 1,626 U.S. CEOs surveyed between September 3 and 17, 2024. Using ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology, analysis has revealed that the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index 9 months in advance.

The Vistage CEO Confidence Index is recognized as the definitive voice of high-performing, high-integrity small and midsize business leaders. As a trusted resource, the Index provides world-class insights to inform decision-making for CEOs and other key leaders of small and midsize businesses.

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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San Diego, CA (September  9, 2024) — Vistage, the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses has announced leadership changes in Germany as it continues to work to bring peer advisory groups to more business leaders across Europe. Vistage, which was founded in the U.S. in 1957, first launched in Germany in 2003. 

Vistage Chair Uwe Hess is the CEO of Vistage Germany.  “When I began the journey of becoming a Vistage Chair, I immediately saw the impact that Vistage peer advisory groups had on CEOs, their businesses and their personal lives,” said Hess. “There is great potential to help CEOs in Germany through Vistage peer advisory groups where they can share expertise, challenge one another to think critically and arrive at better decisions.”

Vistage Chair Dr. Hermann Ens will continue in his role as CEO of Vistage Bavaria. He said, “I am thrilled to build on the momentum we have achieved in Bavaria, as we strive each day to help CEOs make great decisions that benefit their companies, families and communities.”

Uwe Hess brings more than 35 years of entrepreneurial experience to his role at Vistage. Hess became a Vistage CEO Coach in 2020 for Vistage Deutschland before founding Vistage Hessen in 2021. For more than 30 years, he has been a shareholder for property management company Depant Bautrager GmbH & Co. KG.  He earned his MBA from Justus Liebig University in Gießen.

Dr. Hermann Ens is passionate about supporting small and mid-sized  businesses in his role as a Vistage Chair and CEO for Vistage Bavaria. He previously spent more than 35 years working in C-level and MD functions in the communications industry in Europe, the Americas and Asia. Ens earned an Electrical Engineering degree from Technical University of Munich and currently lectures at THI University for Applied Sciences in Ingolstadt.

Rob Ristagno, Vistage President of International Operations, commented: “Since 2021, Uwe and Hermann have been tremendous partners as they have worked to bring CEO peer advisory to more CEOs in Hessen and Bavaria. We look forward to continuing to partner with them to build upon that momentum and help more CEOs to become better leaders, make better decisions and deliver better results across all of Germany.” 

CEOs who are interested in becoming a Vistage Chair or member can visit the website to learn more: https://vistage-germany.de/

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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The San Diego Business Journal Best Places to Work list honors employers in San Diego that are making their workplaces great. Results are based on a comprehensive employer questionnaire evaluating workplace policies as well as an employee survey measuring employee satisfaction, professional development opportunities, and overall engagement. 

“Vistage is proud to again be recognized as one of San Diego’s best employers,” said Sam Reese, CEO at Vistage. “We are committed to creating an environment where our dedicated team can thrive and grow. This survey feedback confirms what we see from our team every day: They are passionate about Vistage’s purpose of helping high-integrity leaders make great decisions that benefit their companies, families and communities.”

The recognition as one of the Best Places to Work reflects Vistage’s ongoing efforts to prioritize employee satisfaction and engagement. The company offers extensive benefits including HMO and PPO plans, 401K matching, FSA contribution, EAP, and more. Vistage additionally sponsors outings to Padres games, holiday parties, food trucks, as well as a variety of other onsite and remote events to promote employee connection. Employees appreciate Vistage’s career investments including Employee Development Days, opportunities to learn and grow from world-class leaders like Adam Grant and James Clear, free learning through online learning platform Udemy, and tuition reimbursement, among others. 

San Diego Business Journal partners with Workforce Research Group to identify those employers who are creating cultures that make employees proud to be a part of them. The evaluation process includes two surveys to gather detailed data about each participating company. Employers are asked to fill out an in-depth questionnaire about their company policies, practices, benefits, and demographics. Additionally, employees are asked to take a survey rating a set of statements about the company’s culture on a likert scale and includes open-ended responses. Workforce Research Group conducts the surveys, analyzes the data, and determines the winners and rankings.

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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Vistage Iceland  is co-founded by Kristin Sigrun Gudmundsdottir and Nathan Farrugia who have previously worked together on projects in both Iceland and Malta. Kristin Sigrun Gudmundsdottir is an experienced executive coach and leader with extensive international experience in both the private and public sector. She has coached and advised executives from fast growing start-ups, local and international companies in defining and implementing their growth strategies. She earned a Bachelor’s degree  from Ballerup College Denmark, a Master’s degree from Aaarhus University Denmark, and is a certified Gallup Strength Coach. Nathan Farrugia is an entrepreneur and business coach with more than 20 years of experience in the technology, construction, healthcare, hospitality, and education industries.  In addition to launching Vistage in the United Arab Emirates, he currently serves as Managing Director and Vistage Chair for Vistage Malta. Farrugia authored A Million Steps, a best-selling book that explores business and executive improvement. He earned an MBA from University of Strathclyde.

Vistage Iceland Director Nathan Farrugia said, “I am thrilled to bring peer advisory groups to Iceland, to help CEOs to make better decisions that impact their families, companies and communities. Through my work with Vistage, I’ve been able to see the benefits ripple across companies and communities as leaders find more success. I look forward to helping CEOs uncover new growth opportunities and navigate challenges together.” 

Vistage Iceland Director Kristin Sigrun Gudmundsdottir said, “In a transforming world, Vistage’s model truly offers the best approach for how leaders learn. We see tremendous opportunity to help CEOs in Iceland to become better leaders, make better decisions, and deliver better outcomes through peer advisory groups.” 

On August 30, Iceland CEOs are invited to an event at the Parliament Hotel to learn more about Vistage. Please email renzo@vistage.ae to register for this event. If you are interested in becoming a Vistage Chair or member in Iceland, please visit https://vistage.is/ or email  vistage@vistage.is.  

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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SAN DIEGO, July 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Small and midsize business (SMB) CEO confidence decreased slightly to 83.3 in Q2 2024, according to the latest CEO Confidence Index released by CEO coaching and peer advisory organization Vistage.

The dip in CEO confidence occurred after four consecutive quarters of gains, driven by a decrease in economic optimism. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of CEOs report higher interest rates are impacting their business, directly affecting profitability.

“It’s not swimming, but it’s not drowning is the best way to describe CEO’s wavering confidence,” said Joe Galvin, Vistage’s chief research officer. “CEOs, however, are not treading water while waiting for the economy to spark. Instead, they are focused on improving productivity internally to counteract external economic hardships. Our data shows there are four strategies that CEOs are implementing across the board: utilizing AI and automation, enhancing training and development, implementing technologies to streamline processes, and improving employee engagement and culture.”

Vistage has measured SMB CEOs’ sentiment on a variety of economic and business factors every quarter since 2003. Analysis using ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology has revealed the Vistage CEO Confidence Index to be a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index nine months in advance.

“The promise of a future growth cycle remains,” Galvin said. “It’s maybe just a little further out than we’d hoped, based on the decline of the Index this quarter.”

Lauren Saidel-Baker, CFA and economist at ITR Economics noted, “Despite the dip in the Vistage CEO Confidence Index, it’s crucial to contextualize this data within broader trends. Long-term rates of change are still rising, suggesting that the current decline might not signal a prolonged downturn.” She added, “Regarding labor market trends, wage inflation remains a significant issue due to a mismatch between job openings and available workers. CEOs should focus on retaining top talent and making efficient investments like AI and technology to prepare for the anticipated growth in 2025.”

Q2 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index highlights include:

Economic pessimism among CEOs increases.

• The number of CEOs reporting economic improvement over the past year fell to 18% in Q2, compared to 26% in Q1 2024.
• 23% of CEOs expect the economy to improve in the next year, down from 26% the prior quarter.

Inflation and interest rates are impacting businesses.

• 64% of SMBs reported that they are feeling the impacts of higher interest rates.
• CEOs cited labor as the biggest source of inflation (59%).
  • Raw materials were the second biggest source of inflation at 12%.

AI is no longer the future of the workplace; it is in the present.

• 30% of CEOs are increasing spending in AI, with another 12% redirecting existing budgets towards AI.
• 55% are making no changes to their AI spending, which corresponds to the 55% who are also not adjusting staff or training because of AI.
• When asked about how AI is impacting their hiring:
  • 32% of CEOs say they are training staff.
  • 8% of CEOs say they are hiring new talent.
  • 6% of CEOs say they are creating new roles or teams.
  • 11% of CEOs say they are redefining job roles.

See the full results of the Q2 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index at vistage.com/ceoindex.

About the Vistage CEO Confidence Index
Established in 2003, the Vistage CEO Confidence Index surveys small and midsize business CEOs, presidents, and business owners about the U.S. economy every quarter. The Q2 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index includes responses from 1,708 U.S. CEOs, surveyed between June 3 and 17, 2024. Using ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology, analysis has revealed that the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index 9 months in advance.

The Vistage CEO Confidence Index is recognized as the definitive voice of high-performing, high-integrity small and midsize business leaders. As a trusted resource, the Index provides world-class insights to inform decision-making for CEOs and other key leaders of small and midsize businesses.

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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San Diego, CA (July 8, 2024) – Vistage, the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization, ranked first on the San Diego Business Journal’s list of Top Executive Training Companies, for the fourth consecutive year.

“Vistage peer advisory groups have shaped leaders for more than 65 years,” said Vistage CEO Sam Reese. “Being recognized in San Diego, where Vistage Chairs take great pride in supporting and championing local businesses, is an honor. Consistently ranking first underscores the effectiveness of our trusted approach to helping high-integrity leaders make great decisions that benefit their companies, families and communities.” Since 1957, Vistage has brought high-performing CEOs together for leadership development using its proven peer advisory groups, which deliver results both professionally and personally. When leaders come together for confidential group meetings, they gain the perspective, clarity, and support they need to become better leaders and accelerate their company’s growth. Today, more than 45,000 members worldwide have access to exclusive research, best-in class subject matter experts, personalized coaching sessions, in-person events with world-class speakers, and a private global online network that enables real-time problem solving. Under the guidance of a Vistage Chair – an accomplished executive coach – members come together to share expertise, challenge one another to think critically, and arrive at better decisions.

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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Vistage Lombardy founder Matias Kohner said, “I first experienced the power of peer advisory as a member firsthand, where my peer advisory group helped me to navigate challenges and opportunities within my family business. Feeling the incredible impact of Vistage in my own life, I soon transitioned to becoming a Vistage Chair, guiding CEOs from diverse businesses. I am thrilled to now launch Vistage in Lombardy, where my family’s roots run deep, and help CEOs here to make better decisions that improve their companies, families and communities.”

Before becoming a Vistage Chair, Matias Kohner held the position of Vice President at Induca, contributing to the company’s growth through strategic planning and fostering staff development. At Carpe Scheider, he identified growth opportunities and strategies for the pharmaceutical company.  He also served as General Manager and Owner at Estancia Don Carlos in Argentina, where he led all aspects of the resort’s operations, from strategic planning to day-to-day management. Kohner earned his degree from Universidad de Palermo. 

Rob Ristagno, Vistage’s President of International Operations said, “Matias’ enthusiasm and passion for helping leaders through Vistage is inspiring.  He believes in the power of Vistage peer advisory groups to help CEOs become better leaders, make better decisions and deliver better results. Under his leadership, we see tremendous opportunity for CEOs to benefit from the Vistage platform in Italy.” 

If you are interested in becoming a Vistage Chair or member in Italy, please visit https://vistage-lombardia.it/.  

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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SAN DIEGO, April 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Small and midsize business (SMB) CEOs’ confidence in the economy continued its upward trajectory in Q1 2024, per the latest CEO Confidence Index from Vistage, a CEO coaching and peer advisory organization.

This quarter marks four consecutive quarters of increased confidence, signaling sustained growth in economic optimism. In Q1 2024, the Vistage CEO Confidence Index surged nearly four points to 85.9, maintaining its steady climb from 82 in Q4 2023, 76 in Q3 2023, 74.2 in Q2 2023, and 72.6 in Q1 2023.

“Much like athletes undergoing rigorous rehabilitation after sustaining serious injuries, our economy is steadily recovering from the unprecedented challenges imposed by the pandemic,” said Joe Galvin, Vistage’s chief research officer. “We’ve observed a notable improvement in economic sentiment, which has been a key driver behind the surging Vistage CEO Confidence Index. While expectations for revenue and profits have remained stable compared to the previous quarter, we’ve noticed a slight increase in investment for expansion initiatives, tempered by a decline in intentions to hire. We are cautiously optimistic we are slowly inching towards a 2025 growth cycle.”

Since 2003, Vistage has measured SMB CEOs’ sentiment on a variety of economic and business factors each quarter. ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology has revealed the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index nine months in advance.

ITR Economics Vice President of Economics Jackie Greene said, “While the Index has indeed climbed to 85.9, it’s also noteworthy that this level mirrors recessionary lows Vistage recorded pre-pandemic. It is important to have caution interpreting the rise in the Vistage CEO Confidence Index level as an outright positive sign for the overall economy, and instead look at the more complete picture Vistage’s Index has captured over the last 20+ years.”

Q1 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index highlights include:

CEOs are facing mounting pressure on wages as hiring plans slow.

• 51% of SMB CEOs plan to increase hiring in the year ahead (down five percentage points from last quarter and below last year’s 54%).
  • Of those planning to expand their workforce:
    • 6% report hiring plans for Q1 2024.
    • 28% report hiring plans for Q2 2024.
    • 19% report hiring plans for Q3 2024.
    • 4% report hiring plans for Q4 2024.
    • 42% plan to hire steadily throughout the next 12 months.
• Conversely, 10% of CEOs plan to decrease their workforce in the coming year (up from 7% last quarter).
• At the same time, the majority of CEOs (65%) report labor as the biggest source of inflation currently impacting their business.
• In response to increased costs, more than half of CEOs (51%) plan to increase prices for their product or service in the coming year (slightly below last quarter’s 54%).

CEOs are increasingly optimistic about the economy.

• 26% of SMB CEOs report that the economy has improved during the past year (up from 20% last quarter). 29% say the economy worsened in the past year, down from 58% a year ago.
• 26% expect the economy to improve in the year ahead (up from 21% last quarter and a 13 percentage-point gain since Q3 2023). 21% expect the economy to worsen in the year ahead, down from 53% a year ago.

CEOs’ expectations for profitability and revenue remain stable.

• 60% of SMB CEOs expect increased revenues in the year ahead (the highest proportion in two years).
• 46% of CEOs project increased profits in the next 12 months.
• Key factors driving expectations for increased profitability include:
  • 51% report cost-saving measures.
  • 48% report cost efficiencies based on increased volumes.
  • 43% implemented price increases.
  • 9% report input costs decreasing.

Succession planning is top-of-mind for CEOs.

• 36% of SMB CEOs report they are currently creating succession plans. 15% of CEOs have already identified their successor, and 20% have identified successors for key leadership positions within their company.
• When asked about plans for the leadership team this year:
  • 59% are investing in development.
  • 42% are promoting team members.
  • 41% are enhancing succession planning.
  • 35% are reorganizing leadership.
  • 31% are recruiting for leadership positions.
  • 27% are modifying compensation.
  • 20% are replacing team members.

See the full results for the Q1 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index at vistage.com/ceoindex.

About the Vistage CEO Confidence Index
Established in 2003, the Vistage CEO Confidence Index surveys small to midsize business CEOs, presidents, and business owners about the U.S. economy each quarter. The Q1 2024 Vistage CEO Confidence Index includes responses from 1,768 U.S. CEOs, surveyed between March 4-18, 2024. Using ITR Economics’ rate-of-change methodology, analysis has revealed that the Vistage CEO Confidence Index is a leading indicator of the U.S. Industrial Production Index 9 months in advance.

For over 20 years, the Vistage CEO Confidence Index has been the definitive voice of high-performing, high-integrity small and midsize business leaders. As a trusted resource, the Index provides world-class insights to inform decision-making for CEOs and other key leaders of small and midsize businesses.

About Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize businesses. For more than 65 years, we’ve been helping CEOs, business owners and key executives solve their greatest challenges through confidential peer groups and one-to-one executive coaching sessions. Today, more than 45,000 members in 40 countries rely on Vistage to help make better decisions for their companies, families and communities. The results prove it: Vistage CEO members grew their annual revenue on average by 4.6% in 2020, while nonmembers with comparable small and midsize businesses saw revenue decrease by 4.7%, according to a study of Dun & Bradstreet data. Learn more at vistage.com.

Media Contact
Katie McWeeney | Vistage
858.523.6875 | katie.mcweeney@vistage.com

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