How organizations are thinking about AI implementation in 2025

The appointment of Dan Priest as PwC’s Chief AI Officer signals a shift in how major consulting firms are approaching artificial intelligence adoption and implementation across industries.

Key leadership perspective; As PwC’s new Chief AI Officer, Dan Priest oversees the firm’s AI strategy and helps clients across sectors like technology, healthcare, and hospitality integrate AI into their operations.

• The role was created in July 2023 following PwC’s internal AI impact analysis and strategy development
• The position aims to help PwC maximize AI’s potential while ensuring responsible implementation
• Priest works with diverse industries to develop and execute AI strategies

Current adoption trends; Recent surveys indicate widespread AI integration across major corporations, with significant impact on business operations and strategy.

• Nearly half of Fortune 1000 companies report having AI fully embedded in their workflows
• One-third of surveyed companies have integrated AI into their products and services
• 73% of CEOs believe AI will cause shifts in their business models
• Generative AI is increasingly present in both consumer-facing applications and product development

Real-world applications; Companies are leveraging AI to enhance personalization and customer experience across various industries.

• Cruise lines are using AI to personalize onboard experiences, from food options to excursion planning
• AI enables businesses to move beyond predictive models to truly customized consumer experiences
• Companies are implementing AI solutions throughout their product development processes

Risk considerations; Organizations must balance rapid AI adoption with responsible implementation practices.

• Companies need to assess AI maturity levels for different use cases
• Early AI implementations in customer service have sometimes resulted in hallucinations and misinformation
• Data protection remains crucial, particularly regarding the training of large language models
• Organizations risk falling behind competitors if they move too slowly with AI adoption

Strategic implications; Drawing parallels to the Internet era suggests early AI adopters may secure long-term competitive advantages.

• Companies implementing AI solutions early and responsibly are likely to maintain market leadership
• Organizations that delay AI adoption may struggle to catch up with competitors
• The impact of AI adoption decisions today could influence market positions for decades to come