In a striking display of technology’s encroachment into the C-suite, the CEOs of Klarna and Zoom have recently turned to artificial intelligence to partially replace themselves during earnings calls, signaling a potential shift in how corporate leadership engages with stakeholders.

This week, both companies deployed AI avatars to deliver portions of their quarterly earnings reports, a move that underscores the rapid integration of AI tools into even the most personal aspects of business communication, as reported by The Verge.

At Klarna, a fintech giant known for its “buy now, pay later” services, CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski opted for an AI doppelgänger to present key financial highlights. This digital stand-in, crafted to mimic the CEO’s voice and mannerisms, delivered scripted remarks with a polish that left some investors both impressed and unsettled. The company, which has already reduced its workforce by 40% since 2022 through automation, views this as a logical extension of its efficiency-driven ethos. Meanwhile, Zoom, the videoconferencing titan that became synonymous with remote work during the pandemic, followed suit. CEO Eric Yuan utilized an AI avatar to kick off the company’s earnings call, providing initial comments before transitioning to a live presentation. This hybrid approach, blending synthetic and human interaction, hints at a future where executives might delegate routine communications to algorithms, freeing up time for strategic priorities, according to insights shared by TechCrunch.

The implications of this trend are profound for the technology and corporate sectors. On one hand, AI avatars offer a level of consistency and control over messaging that human delivery can sometimes lack. They can be programmed to avoid gaffes, adhere strictly to scripts, and present data with unwavering precision. For companies like Klarna and Zoom, which operate in highly competitive and innovation-driven markets, this could enhance their ability to manage investor perceptions during critical moments. On the other hand, the move raises questions about authenticity and trust. Earnings calls are not just data dumps; they are opportunities for leaders to connect with shareholders, analysts, and employees on a human level. An AI avatar, no matter how lifelike, lacks the emotional nuance and spontaneity that often define leadership presence, a concern echoed in discussions on platforms like India Today.

Moreover, this development could accelerate broader workforce automation trends. If CEOs can outsource parts of their roles to AI, what does this mean for other high-level positions? Posts on social media platforms like X reflect a mix of fascination and skepticism, with some users questioning whether such technology should be normalized across all job levels if executives are setting the precedent. While the environmental impact of training and running these AI systems is another point of contention, the immediate focus remains on how this reshapes corporate culture.

For now, Klarna and Zoom are testing the waters, but their experiments could pave the way for a new era of executive representation. As AI continues to evolve, the line between human and machine in the boardroom may blur further, challenging traditional notions of leadership in the digital age.