Companies are spending trillions on AI. The C-suite doesn’t know who is in charge of it

A recent survey by Pearl Meyer reveals a disconnect among corporate executives regarding who holds responsibility for a company's AI strategy. Only one-third of C-suite executives are convinced that a single executive or team consistently makes decisions about AI, the lowest among all groups surveyed. However, this figure jumps to 57% among senior managers and professionals just below the C-suite level, while board members show the highest confidence at 53%.

Despite this apparent leadership confusion, a majority of non-C-suite executives believe their companies possess the necessary senior talent to effectively implement and oversee AI across the entire organization. Yet, despite the widespread adoption of AI, with total AI spending projected to reach $2.5 trillion this year, a 44% increase from last year, and $3.3 trillion next year, executives remain optimistic about AI's potential impact within 18 months.

Yet there is a significant gap between expectations and reality. The survey also found that 63% of CEOs expect employees to handle additional organizational changes without feeling overwhelmed, despite only 33% of the C-suite and 40% of non-C-suite executives agreeing. Boards, meanwhile, appear uncertain about the extent of required changes within three years, with only 42% believing significant adjustments are necessary.