The 2025 CPO Insights Report: Product Leadership in a New World Order

The “2025 CPO Insights Report” was sponsored by our partners at Capgemini and Mighty Capital.

Introducing the 2025 CPO Insights Report, the latest installment in our flagship research series from Products That Count—the premier resource for Chief Product Officer insights and a global network of over 500,000 product managers and leaders. Based on surveys and year-long conversations with more than 1,000 CPOs, this report offers a roadmap for navigating today’s business landscape and outlines the five “do-or-die” shifts defining the future of product leadership.

Topline Takeaways

1. Brace for chaos—from internal pressures to market uncertainty:
   CPOs face a volatile mix of challenges. Budget constraints limit smaller companies, while legacy systems and cross-functional misalignment slow larger ones. In a climate of economic turbulence and shifting regulations, agility and strategic prioritization are now essential for staying competitive.
2. Hire for adaptability as AI redefines product roles:
   AI is accelerating product work and blurring the boundaries of traditional roles. Today’s leading CPOs are hiring generalist “Super” PMs who can operate across functions, build without full teams, and adapt quickly. In every sector—from SaaS to Retail—adaptability, data fluency, and a sustainability mindset are non-negotiable.
3. Recalibrate product success metrics:
   Revenue still matters—but it’s no longer the only lens. CPOs are doubling down on speed, experimentation, and long-term value. Metrics like retention, satisfaction, and time-to-value are rising in importance, with product-first companies focusing on engagement and ROI over simple conversions.
4. Own M&A—it’s not just growth, it’s survival:
   Mergers and acquisitions have become a strategic lever for product organizations. Whether acquiring tech and talent or driving vertical integration, CPOs are now central to post-M&A success—especially when it comes to product alignment and cultural integration.
5. Seize the future to fast-track your path to CEO:
   Product leaders are stepping into enterprise-wide strategy. As organizations shift from sales-first to product-first models, CPOs are becoming natural candidates for CEO, COO, and board roles. Companies with a strong product function consistently outperform their peers. The message is clear: the future belongs to product leaders who move fast, think strategically, and embrace the AI-driven future.

From establishing a seat at the executive table to driving business strategy in the age of AI, the CPO role has evolved into one of the most pivotal in modern enterprise. The pace of change is accelerating. Based on this year’s findings, Products That Count predicts that by 2030, companies without a CPO will become obsolete.

Download the full 2025 CPO Insights Report to access deeper insights, data, and strategic frameworks from the world’s top product leaders. See how CPOs are navigating uncertainty, leading innovation, and claiming their place at the very top.

Download the Report here.