Artificial intelligence is no longer a behind-the-scenes tool reserved for backend analytics or experimental projects. Today, AI is stepping into the spotlight—actively shaping top-level business decisions that once relied purely on human intuition.
A new survey commissioned by SAP reveals just how deeply AI in executive decision-making has evolved. The study, titled “AI Has a Seat in the C-Suite” and conducted by Wakefield Research, includes insights from 300 U.S. C-level executives at companies generating over $1 billion in annual revenue.
The findings mark a dramatic shift: AI is no longer a support tool—it’s becoming a trusted strategic advisor.
Among the most striking revelations: 44% of surveyed executives say they would reverse their own decision after reviewing AI-generated insights. Even more surprising, 38% say they would allow AI to make the decision entirely on their behalf.
That’s a major evolution in executive culture. Business leaders are no longer simply considering AI’s input—they’re leaning on it.
According to Jared Coyle, Chief AI Officer at SAP North America, “Most executive decisions are based on a combination of the data, how they feel, and discussions they’ve had with trusted advisors. What this data tells us is that AI is now part of that trusted inner circle.”
In fact, 74% of executives now say they trust AI more than advice from friends or family, with the number climbing even higher among companies generating over $5 billion in revenue.
AI is not just influencing decisions—it’s becoming part of the daily workflow in the C-suite.
The SAP study found that 48% of executives use generative AI tools daily, and 15% use them multiple times a day. Executives trust AI most when it comes to:
- Analysing data and recommending decisions (52%)
- Identifying hidden risks (48%)
- Offering alternative strategies (47%)
But AI isn’t just helping with strategic thinking. It’s also becoming integral to core business functions, such as:
- Product development (40%)
- Budget planning (40%)
- Market research (40%)
Clearly, AI in executive decision-making is no longer optional—it’s becoming a foundational part of modern business operations.
Interestingly, the report shows that AI’s influence goes beyond business performance. For many executives, AI has improved their personal quality of life:
- 39% report better work-life balance
- 38% experience improved mental wellbeing
- 31% report reduced stress levels
With AI taking on routine or high-pressure tasks, executives are finding more space for strategic thinking—and for life outside of work.
While enthusiasm for AI is rising, companies still face barriers in scaling it effectively. According to the study, the most common challenges include:
- Misalignment between IT and business units
- Difficulties in connecting multiple internal systems
- Poor data quality, which undermines trust in insights
Jared Coyle stresses the importance of having a common semantical data layer to ensure AI runs on trustworthy, consistent business data.
To solve this, SAP has launched the Business Data Cloud—a unified cloud platform that integrates both SAP and non-SAP data across the enterprise. This helps businesses harmonize their information, enabling AI to deliver faster, more reliable insights at scale.
As AI becomes more central to executive workflows, robust data foundations will be key to unlocking its full potential.
The shift toward AI-powered decision-making is already in motion, and it’s accelerating fast. Executives now view AI not just as an enhancement, but as an indispensable tool for growth, innovation, and strategic clarity.
As Jared Coyle puts it, “The most valuable decisions are still made by people—but AI is now helping shape those decisions from the inside.”
Whether it’s guiding complex budget strategies or improving mental health through reduced workload, AI’s role in the C-suite is expanding. And for companies ready to embrace this change, the rewards go far beyond operational efficiency—they tap into a new era of smarter, more confident leadership.
