CHRO perspectives: looking ahead to 2026

Tim Spriggs, Rebecca Otter 7 Oct 2025

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Insights and predictions from our survey of global HR leaders.

 

The results of Leathwaite’s annual HR leader survey are out, complete with both human and AI analysis. Firstly, a big thank you to those of you who took the time to respond – respondents came from all regions and all sectors, allowing us to identify trends that are, are much as is ever possible, global and generalisable across industries.

2025’s HR Leader is facing uncertainty, macro-economic challenges, AI disruption and the requirement to demonstrate ROI to a level that is hitherto unprecedented. Despite the pressure of these demands, the results tell us that, instead of being cowed, HR leaders recognise the key role they can play in building organizational resilience and agile cultures that can adapt, come what may.

Nevertheless, they recognise the constraints and challenges with which they have to contend: leadership capability gaps, antiquated operating models, systems and mindsets unprepared to seize the opportunities that AI presents (and perhaps also naïve to the risks it may also bring with it).

 

Discover how today’s CHROs are shaping the future of work and what’s next for global HR leadership.

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Tim Spriggs

Tim Spriggs is a Partner with Leathwaite based in the London office. Tim is a key member of the global Human Resources practice and also helps drive the firm’s ongoing growth and diversification across sectors. Tim brings over fifteen years…

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Image of Leathwaite employee Rebecca Otter

Rebecca Otter

Rebecca is a Director in Leathwaite’s Global Human Resources Practice based in London. Covering the whole spectrum of HR specialisms at executive level, Rebecca has partnered with leading global, regional and national businesses to source, assess and secure top talent…

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