Six in ten chief financial officers expect to launch a new cost program before the end of 2028. Most of them have run one before, and on average they estimate that two-fifths of the savings from the last one have already faded.
This roundtable is a chance for a small group of finance leaders to compare notes on why that happens and what to do differently. David Okafor, who leads our Operations & Performance practice, will open with the main findings of The CFO Cost Agenda 2026, our survey of 412 CFOs. Hannah Cole will cover the organizational side: how decision rights, spans and incentives determine whether savings hold once the program office has gone.
Most of the morning is discussion. Attendance is limited to sixteen people, and the session is held under the Chatham House Rule, so participants can speak openly about their own programs. Each attendee will receive a printed copy of the full report.
Agenda
08:30 Arrival and breakfast
09:00 Welcome and introductions
09:15 Why savings fade: findings from The CFO Cost Agenda 2026
09:40 Discussion: where savings have leaked in your own programs
10:15 The organizational side of cost: decision rights, layers and incentives
10:35 Discussion: what you would set up differently next time
10:55 Close
Who should attend
The roundtable is designed for chief financial officers, finance directors and chief operating officers of companies with revenue above £500 million who are planning, running or reviewing a company-wide cost program. Places are confirmed by invitation after registration, to keep the group balanced across sectors and avoid direct competitors sitting at the same table.
