By the numbers
Corporate communications by the numbers
Last updated: November 2026. Published by Beltway Media.
Published research shows corporate affairs teams are restructuring, often without a formal strategy, while losing seats on executive committees.
Beltway Media collected these figures from published industry research to give in-house communications teams the context for their own planning and budget conversations. Each number is quoted as published and linked to its source. None of these are Beltway Media's own data.
On this page
How are corporate communications teams changing in 2026?
Deloitte 2026, via Provoke Media
83% are undergoing significant change
83% of corporate affairs teams are undergoing significant change, with 66% restructuring operating models and 49% focusing on cost efficiencies. At the same time, 49% report no change in headcount over the past 12 months, while 24% report a decrease.
Source: Provoke Media, Five Findings From and Reactions To Deloitte's 2026 Corporate Affairs Report.
For in-house teams, this means change without added capacity. Structured tools such as templates and checklists, and part-time senior leadership, are common responses.
How many communications teams lack a strategy?
Deloitte 2026, via Provoke Media
28% have no formal strategy
28% of corporate affairs functions lack a formal strategy or mission statement, and only 36% have a clearly defined one.
Source: Provoke Media.
The communications strategy consulting guide includes a five-step process for closing this gap.
Do communications leaders still have a seat at the table?
Deloitte 2026 and Edelman
Executive committee seats fell from 73% to 64%
Deloitte's 2026 research, as reported by Provoke Media, found a decline in corporate affairs executives serving on their companies' executive committees, from 73% to 64%. Earlier Edelman research on the future of corporate communications reported that 46% of communications leaders report to the CEO.
Sources: Provoke Media; Edelman, The Future of Corporate Communications (2021).
How big is the strategy consulting industry?
Figures vary and many are out of date. StrategyU's 2026 industry report notes that the $16 billion figure still quoted everywhere is a 2023 number, and that BCG reports AI and tech work is now more than 40% of its revenue, with AI services up 25% in 2025. Check the date on any market figure before using it. Source: StrategyU, The strategy consulting industry in 2026.
Every figure and source
| Figure | What it measures | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 83% | Corporate affairs teams undergoing significant change | Deloitte 2026, via Provoke Media |
| 66% | Restructuring operating models | Deloitte 2026, via Provoke Media |
| 49% | Focusing on cost efficiencies | Deloitte 2026, via Provoke Media |
| 49% / 24% | No headcount change / headcount decrease over 12 months | Deloitte 2026, via Provoke Media |
| 28% / 36% | No formal strategy / clearly defined strategy | Deloitte 2026, via Provoke Media |
| 73% to 64% | Corporate affairs executives on executive committees | Deloitte 2026, via Provoke Media |
| 46% | Communications leaders reporting to the CEO | Edelman (2021) |
| $16 billion | Widely quoted strategy consulting market size, dating from 2023 | StrategyU (2026) |
Common questions
- What if our communications function has no written strategy?
- You are not alone. Deloitte’s 2026 corporate affairs research, as reported by Provoke Media, found 28% of corporate affairs functions lack a formal strategy or mission statement and only 36% have a clearly defined one. Start with a one-page plan that names goals, audiences, messages, owners and measures. More in the FAQ
- What if leadership does not treat communications as strategic?
- Tie communications to decisions leaders already care about: revenue, risk, talent and investors. Deloitte research reported by Provoke Media found corporate affairs executives on executive committees fell from 73% to 64%, so many teams face this. A senior advisor with C-suite experience can help make that case in business terms. More in the FAQ
- When should an in-house team hire a communications consultant?
- Bring one in when the team lacks senior strategic leadership, faces a high-stakes moment such as a launch, restructuring or crisis, or keeps producing content without a clear position. Deloitte research reported by Provoke Media found 28% of corporate affairs functions lack a formal strategy, which is a common trigger. More in the FAQ
- How much do strategy consultants get paid?
- Strategy consultant pay depends on the firm, level and region, and published figures change often. StrategyU notes that even widely quoted industry figures can be outdated, for example a $16 billion market size that dates from 2023. Check a current, dated source before relying on any pay number you find online. More in the FAQ
Part of the corporate communications consulting guide for in-house teams. Sourced statistics on how corporate affairs and communications functions are changing.