When chatbots such as ChatGPT emerged, they were regarded as novelties: entertaining tools for trivia, composing brief texts, or generating ideas. Within just a few years, Generative AI (GenAI) has entered strategic areas — creating legal documents, developing marketing campaigns, predicting trends, and even crafting new products. The focus is changing from what GenAI is capable of to what its limits might be. Might we eventually witness an AI serving as a CEO?
A few companies are currently trying out new methods. In 2022, Chinese tech company NetDragon Websoft gained attention for naming an AI-driven virtual humanoid, “Ms. Tang Yu,” as the CEO of one of its subsidiaries. The organization stated that the AI would enhance operational efficiency and deliver impartial decision-making (Business Insider, 2022). Though mainly symbolic, this action underscores how AI is starting to be placed in roles resembling leadership.
Researchers indicate that AI is subtly reshaping leadership dynamics. A report from Capgemini (2023) states that executives are increasingly depending on GenAI for decision-making assistance, trend analysis, and performance tracking. The issue arises when innovation frequently outpaces governance, resulting in a “responsibility gap” where ethical supervision fails to keep up with technological implementation (NTT DATA, 2025).
There are also dangers to human motivation. A study from Harvard Business Review (2025) discovered that although GenAI enhances short-term productivity, it might diminish intrinsic motivation if employees feel excluded by algorithms. This implies that an “AI supervisor” may enhance workflow efficiency but may have difficulty in inspiring, empathizing, or motivating — traits crucial to human leadership.
What might a CEO powered by AI resemble? In my opinion, it is probable that it won’t be an independent machine “operating” a business but rather a combined system: humans offering vision, ethical guidance, and emotional insight, while AI manages data-focused optimization and quick decision assistance. Ultimately, regardless of the emergence of a formal “AI CEO,” the path is evident: GenAI is infiltrating more complex roles that influence strategy, culture, and innovation. The real challenge will be if leaders can incorporate AI as a collaborator instead of a substitute, guaranteeing that efficiency does not sacrifice accountability, trust, and human relationships.
References
Business Insider. (2022). A Chinese gaming firm appoints AI-powered CEO. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com
Capgemini. (2023). Generative AI in leadership. Retrieved from https://www.capgemini.com
Harvard Business Review. (2025). GenAI makes people more productive — and less motivated. Retrieved from https://hbr.org
NTT DATA. (2025). AI responsibility crisis: Why executive leadership must act now. Retrieved from https://us.nttdata.com
Hi Marianna, very interesting post! I agree with you – AI cannot be an independent machine when it comes to leading a business. It has high potential in data analysis and predictions, which can be highly impactful for decision-making in a firm. However, people have characteristics that are difficult to replace with a machine, such as ethics, empathy, and critical thinking.
Hi Marianna,
Nice read! From my opinion the idea of an AI-powered CEO is as thrilling as it is challenging. I agree that AI brings incredible value to data-driven decisions and operational efficiency. But I think the real breakthrough will come from how humans and AI co-create leadership rather than just sharing tasks.
Humans excel at navigating ambiguity, for instance they can resolve ethical dilemma’s or have inspiring visions during crisis. At these areas AI does struggle. AI could help leaders challenge their own biases, make evidence-based choices faster and uncover unseen patterns.
Perhaps the future “AI CEO” will act as a dynamic partner instead of replacing human leaders.