Tech companies are overhauling company structures to justify AI spending, and it means AI agents could start appearing on org charts, Block CFO says
"I do think we're headed into a new frontier as to what the organization looks like," said Amrita Ahuja, Block's chief financial officer and chief operating officer.
Tech organizations are restructuring their operations to justify growing investments in artificial intelligence (AI), with Block CFO Amrita Ahuja suggesting that AI agents may soon be depicted on corporate org charts, according to a recent Fortune interview. As companies pour billions into AI technologies, workforce adjustments are necessary, Ahuja explained at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit.
These changes may involve the displacement of existing roles and new methods for employees to interact with AI, potentially leading to the emergence of AI agents in organizational structures. Ahuja foresees a future where an employee's "work chart" includes not just units, but also AI agents developed and managed over time. She added that these agents, similar to human colleagues, require training, more context, and clear objectives, which may evolve as company goals shift.
The integration of AI within organizations must be strategic and defensible, explained Synopsys CFO Shelagh Glaser. Similar to snacks in a break room, AI spending varies in cost depending on the level of investment required, from basic to premium tiers. Synopsys, like other companies, is deliberate in its AI expenditures, ensuring the technology provides value and aligns with overall business strategy.
Cloudflare's Michelle Zatlyn highlighted that AI can unlock hidden talent within a company, empowering employees to become "builders" and discover new applications for AI. This democratization of AI access has led to unexpected breakthroughs from various individuals within organizations. Zatlyn emphasized that AI agents have become "an extension of our team," enabling employees to explore and harness the technology's potential.
Measuring the return on investment in AI adoption varies across industries. Amazon's Heather Zorn noted that the company tracks employee usage of AI, followed by engagement and efficiency gains, ultimately leading to revenue growth as the primary key performance indicator (KPI) for AI's value in the workplace.
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