AI Strategy Now Critical to CEO Survival, New Report Reveals

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Around 74% of global CEOs are at risk of losing their jobs within two years if they fail to deliver measurable AI-driven business gains. The Global AI Confessions Report: CEO Edition, conducted by The Harris Poll for Dataiku, highlights the growing pressure on top executives as AI becomes a key factor in corporate survival.

The report highlights that 70% of CEOs predict at least one of their peers will be ousted by the end of the year due to a failed AI strategy or an AI-related crisis. Additionally, more than half of the CEOs (54%) acknowledge that competitors have already deployed superior AI strategies, urging organizations to shift from ambition to execution.

AI’s influence is reshaping leadership structures, with 94% of CEOs admitting AI could provide better counsel than human board members. Furthermore, 89% believe AI can develop more effective strategic plans than human executives, signaling a shift in decision-making power within corporate structures.

Despite growing reliance on AI, many CEOs are unaware of potential pitfalls. The report outlines that 87% of CEOs fall into the “AI commodity trap,” believing off-the-shelf solutions are as effective as custom-built AI systems. Additionally, 35% of AI initiatives are suspected of being “AI-washing,” focusing more on optics than impact. CEOs are also concerned about “shadow AI,” with 94% suspecting employees are using unapproved AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney.

Governance and regulatory uncertainty are major challenges. Eighty percent of CEOs worry that AI could inadvertently harm employees, while 83% fear it could harm customers. Moreover, 37% have had to delay AI projects, and 32% have canceled them due to regulatory issues.

With 78% of CEOs prioritizing AI strategy for 2025 and 83% recognizing its impact on investor confidence, the message is clear: CEOs must deliver measurable AI outcomes or risk becoming obsolete in an increasingly AI-driven world.